2005 CRU CLASSE ROUGE FROM PROVENCE
TASTES AND DRINKS LIKE A CLASSIFIED BORDEUX AT A FRACTION OF THE PRICE
AND A SICK PRICE!
Probably no other wine region’s terroir is defined by its breezes as Provence. Le Mistral can blow so fiercely that Provençal farmhouses are built with their doors facing south, away from the wind, and village bell towers often have an open design, allowing the winds to past through. The mistral also serves to dry the air and keep grapevines healthy. Within the region, Domaine Rimauresq’s estate has its own, unique microclimate. The wines are equally unique and surprisingly like Classified Cru Classe from another great region of France- Bordeaux. But at a far better price point. Founded in 1882 and a Cru Classe since 1955, one of only a handful in the region, Rimauresq takes its name from the Real Mauresque, the river that flows through the vineyards. The domaine sits at the foot of the Massif des Maures mountain range and benefits from both the cooling mistral winds and the shade of the mountains above. This shade gives a longer ripening period in the crucial weeks prior to harvest. The result is beautiful dark fruit of Syrah, Carignan, Mouvedre, Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, making red wine of intense concentration.
Their winemaker is the highly praised Pierre Duffort who has bought Rimauresq Three Stars from Guide Hachette for three years running. 2005 Rimaresq Cru Classe Rouge explains why. 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Carignan, 12% Syrah, 5% Mouvedre, its freshness and power coupled with great length of its dark fruit notes remind me of nothing so much as a classic Classified Left Bank Bordeaux. Deeply hued, with aromas of dark fruits, spices and complex earthy notes. The palate has softened to a silky texture of well-knit fruit, balanced with oak and super fine tannins. All leads to a bright clear finish. Its elegance and complexity are also Bordeaux –like. We’re so sold on this wine we scooped up every case we can. We have the wine at savings of 29% and at our price of $24.99 you should scoop it up as well.

Tasting Notes: 50% Cabernet sauvignon, 33% Carignan, 12% Syrah, 5% Mouvedre average age of the vines is 40 years with some Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon being in excess of 70 years old. Grapes are harvested during early morning hours to benefit from low overnight temperatures. Bunches are crushed and de-stemmed; grapes are cold-macerated on the skins for several hours; grapes are then pressed to release the free-run juice; cold stabilization period, then fermentation at a low temperature for two to three weeks; after fermentation, the wines are left on their lees with regular "batonnage," improving the aroma; filtration prior to bottling; not matured in oak. Great Bordeaux style notes. Deeply hued, with aromas of dark fruits, spices and complex earthy notes. The palate has softened to a silky texture of well-knit fruit, balanced with oak and super fine tannins. All leads to a bright clear finish. Its elegance and complexity are also Bordeaux–like.