Domaine d'Andezon Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, Vignerons d'Estézargues 2002,Château Terre Forte Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2002
Domaine d'Andezon Côtes-du-Rhône Villages, Vignerons d'Estézargues 2002. There are exceptions to everything. Although Syrah mania is a dangerous trend in the southern Rhone, this grape performed well in the cool 2002 vintage. Here it delivers a succulent red beauty with heaps of fruit, a nice herbal tang and soft, fleshy tannins. From Sweeneys, Glasnevin; Mortons, Ranelagh; Deveneys, Dundrum; Jus de Vine, Portmarnock; Kennedy Meats, Aughrim; Country Choice, Nenagh; Lynchs, Glanmire; Mortons, Galway, €13.50
Château Terre Forte Côtes-du-Rhône Villages 2002. Made by Pierre Jauffret, an energetic young winemaker who typifies the go-ahead new generation in the Rhône, this 2002 is so smooth, rich and even all the way through to a peppery finale that you would never suspect the trials of the vintage. A super wine from a rising star. From Celtic Whiskey Shop, Dawson St; Mitchell & Son, Kildare St & Glasthule; Redmonds, Ranelagh; Martha's Vineyard, Rathfarnham; Grape Escape, Lucan; Vineyard, Galway, about €14.95.
DO I HAVE TO PAY THAT MUCH?
No. Although a few more euro will often buy extra depth and finesse (as is the case with our Bottles of the Week), you can begin to explore the flavours of the southern Rhône on a much tighter budget. Start with the La Vieille Ferme range, produced by the Perrin family who own top Châteauneuf-du-Pape property Château de Beaucastel. The smoky red Côtes du Ventoux 2002, available from all Carry-Out off-licences and many other outlets, is terrific value at around €8.99 - but make sure you try it with robust food.