Winery
of the Week:
Louis Bernard - Rhone Valley, France
Louis
Bernard was founded in 1976 in the world famous
Rhône valley, the home of Côtes-du-Rhône and
many exceptional wines. With an inventive approach based on
special partnerships, Louis Bernard brings together vineyard
properties with a common goal: to deliver the best that the
vines and expertise can deliver in first-class wines.
Click
on labels to enlarge |
Louis
Bernard Côtes de Provence 2014 Rosé
Winery:
Louis Bernard
Grape(s): Grenache and Syrah
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
A bouquet of strawberries, watermelon, and grapefruit
greets the senses. The palate reveals flavors of strawberry,
cranberry, and citrus fruits. Bright flavors and a crisp,
clean acidity make ideal to enjoy with a seafood salad.
Rating: 89 |
|
Louis
Bernard Domaine le Garrigon 2012 Côtes du Rhone
Winery:
Louis Bernard
Grape(s): Grenache and Syrah
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
Aromatics of cherries, blueberries, and plums mingle with
nuances of earth and spice on the nose. A sip delivers
flavors of black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry that
come together with allusions of pepper and dusty earth.
A smooth and dark wine, open a bottle with a turkey burger.
637 cases produced.
Rating: 88 |
|
Louis
Bernard Domaine le Garrigon 2013 Côtes du Rhone
Winery:
Louis Bernard
Grape(s): Grenache and Syrah
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 15-20
Review:
The nose showcases aromas of blackberries, currants, and
cherries, along with accents of white pepper and earth.
On the palate, flavors of bramble fruit, black currant,
and cherry that flow into traces of peppercorns and leather.
Soft tannins and inviting notes of spice make this a wine
to pair with thin crust pizza.
Rating: 87 |
|
Louis
Bernard 2012 Cotes du Rhone Villages
Winery:
Louis Bernard
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Fragrances of blackberries, plums, and black pepper rise
up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of blackberry,
boysenberry, and plum, alongside whispers of spice and
smoke. With dark fruit, mellow tannins, and a flash of
pepper, fans of Cotes du Rhone ought to try this, especial
at under $15 a bottle. 1479 cases were made.
Rating: 88 |
|
Louis
Bernard 2013 Cotes du Rhone Villages
Winery:
Louis Bernard
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2013
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 10-15
Review:
Notes of cherry and bramble fruit come together with traces
of pepper and anise on the nose. With a sip, flavors of
blackberries, currants, and cherries interweave with highlights
of peppercorns and black licorice. A smooth wine with
expressions of lively spice, chicken or lamb kabobs would
make a fine pairing. 3,500 cases produced.
Rating: 89 |
|
Louis
Bernard 2011 Châteauneuf-du Pape Domaine La Crau
des Papes
Winery:
Louis Bernard
Grape(s): Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Year:
2012
Special Designation: n/a
Farming Certification:
n/a
Price: 35-40
Review:
Aromas of blackberries, plums, and black cherries meld
with suggestions of pepper, earth, and balsamic on the
nose. Flavors of currant, blackberry, and dark cherry
combine with notes of spice, balsamic, and anise on the
palate. Smooth tannins and dark concentrated flavors make
lamb a fine paring for it. 610 cases were made.
Rating: 89 |
See
more at: (click
here)
Note:
Wines rated with a "+" have not yet reached their
peak quality but will do so over the next few years
By
Jason Barlow
96
— 100 |
Spectacular |
92
— 95 |
Outstanding |
89
— 91 |
Great |
85
— 88 |
Good |
81
— 84 |
Solid |
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