On February 19, 2013, our wine selection featured eight reds from the Northern Rhône region: three from the northern-most Côte-Rôtie, two from Hermitage and three from Cornas. Our Côte-Rôtie selection includes a 2003 Domaine Yves Gangloff, and a 2004 and 2005 Domaine Jamet. From Cornas we tasted a mini vertical of Franck Balthazar from 2005 and 2006 and a 2006 Domaine Arènes Sauvages. Our last wine in the lineup was a 2006 Domaine E. Guigal and 2007 Domaine Ferraton Père & Fils.
Our guest speaker that evening was Andrew Hanna of John Hanna & Sons Ltd.
HOW THE WINES RANKED
THE WINES
2003 Domaine Yves Gangloff, Côte-Rôtie La Barbarine $110 92% Syrah, 8% Vigonier. Gangloff is considered one of the largest of the prestigious Côte Rôtie appellation so much so that fans snapped its various vintages. Also famous vintage upscale La Serene Black Gangloff the area produces a wine called La Barbarine. This wine is more accessible than its predecessor; offers a fresh wine, but balanced and rounded. The 2003 vintage can be enjoyed now after 2 hours in decanter. Wine Enthusiast: 92/100.
2004 Domaine Jamet, Côte-Rôtie $105 Approachable, but with ample structure for the vintage, this features lots of grilled sage, black olive, beef and black cherry notes allied to a tangy, iron and herb-filled finish. Should settle in nicely with some moderate cellaring. Best from 2009 through 2017. 2,500 cases made. Wine Spectator, James Moleworth: 92/100
2005 Domaine Jamet, Côte-Rôtie $105 Intense, with warm roasted fig, currant confiture and melted licorice notes that almost gush forth, but the briar patch, sweet tobacco, mineral and incense notes lend both definition and refinement. The long, long finish shows terrific intensity and a lingering note of sweet macerated black olive. Best from 2010 - 2020. 2,000 cases made. –JM. "Rubyred. Musky raspberry, cherry and spiced plum aromas are complicated by fresh flowers, incense and cured meat. Minerality emerges with air, carrying onto the palate and supporting the sweet raspberry and blueberry flavors. Becomes even fresher on the back end, finishing with outstanding sappy persistence. Boasts wonderful clarity and fine-grained tannins." (Jan/Feb 08) Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 93-94 points / 100.
2005 Domaine Franck Balthazar, Cornas Chaillot $69 Still rather tight, with reticent red currant and plum fruit held in check by a taut texture and additional iron and lavender notes. The sinewy finish needs to unwind more in the cellar. Best from 2009 through 2013. Wine Spectator , James Moleworth 90/100. Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar: 93/100.
2006 Domaine Franck Balthazar, Cornas Chaillot $65 Very focused, with taut minerality and garrigue hints leading the way for dark cherry, iron and tapenade notes. There's solid underlying grip, with a very sappy, kirsch-, pepper- and sage-filled finish. This fills out nicely as it airs. Drink now through 2016. 350 cases made. –JM. International Wine Cellar: 92/100.
2006 Domaine Arènes Sauvages, Cornas $45 Nicely packed, with warm fig sauce, currant paste, coffee and bittersweet cocoa powder notes, this is muscular and dense, but has the buried minerality and balance to reward cellaring. Best from 2009 through 2015. Wine Spectator, James Moleworth: 91/100
2006 Domaine E. Guigal, Hermitage $73 The 2006 Hermitage exhibits classic, quintessentially Hermitage aromas of graphite, creme de cassis and acacia flowers. Full-bodied, rich and viscous, these wines are meant to be aged for two decades or more. Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Feb. 2011. 94pts.
2007 Domaine Ferraton Père & Fils - Les Miaux, Hermitage $75 Dark and lush, with velvety-textured cocoa, fig and black currant, laid over a loamy edge. The finish is solid and toasty. Drink now through 2014. Score - 91. Wine Spectator, James Moleworth: 9/100