New Vintages of Rhône Reds

Top Selling Southern Rhône Producer just arrived!

The Rhône Valley produces incredible wines. As demand from this region has grown, and great wines continue to be released, we have increased our selections of wines from the Rhône Valley. Syrah is the main grape in northern Rhône, where some of the most complex examples of this varietal are made. The Southern Rhône, as we have mentioned many times, is where Grenache thrives. Grenache loves the warm Mediterranean climate and the gnarly old vines of Gigondas, Vacqueyras, and especially the Côtes du Rhône. You will find high scoring wines and outrageous values in this part of Rhône

Notre Dame des Pallières is one of the top estates in Gigondas, an appellation located in the Southern Rhône Valley of France. Claude Roux and family are the current owners of the estate. They utilize traditions and methods which have been used by their family for over three generations. This small family estate has roots in Gigondas back to the 10th century! They have received accolades by many of the most respected wine publications and are highly respected growers and winemakers in the region.

While Châteauneuf-du-Pape receives more fanfare and love from the wine press, the wines of Gigondas are favorites of many Rhône lovers. The best vineyards are in the cooler, higher-elevation sites near the small range of mountains called the Dentelles de Montmirail, where Notre Dame des Pallières is located. Most vines we see now are trained on the popular single or double Guyot system, but Grenache grows better as a bush vine in the hot, windy southern Rhône.

The Roux's also produce several wines outside of Gigondas, in the Cotes du Rhône and Cotes du Rhône Village appellations. The Cotes du Rhône is literally a sea of vines with around 140,000 acres planted. Napa Valley, by comparison, has about 45,000 acres planted. These are generally entry level wines, great on their own or with light foods. The next level is Cotes du Rhône Villages, where wines come from specific areas and must adhere to stricter guidelines such as producing lower yields. Today, we are featuring their offering from Rasteau. These wines, due to the unique soils, have more of a sense of place, like single vineyard wines should, and compare favorably with Gigondas or even Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

We have worked with this estate for a number of years and the wines continue to be great. Most of these have not been reviewed yet as they have just recently been released. Notre Dame des Pallières has a serious track record over ten vintages. These wines continue in this great tradition.

Notre Dame des Pallières Cotes du Rhône Les Rieus 2020 750mL

A blend of 60% Grenache, 35% Syrah and 5% Cinsault that is medium to full bodied with distinct earthy notes. Dark plum on the palate and a long, smooth finish with firm tannins. Try with grilled meats and light cheeses.

Notre Dame des Pallières Cotes du Rhône Rasteau 2018 750mL

"The 2018 Rasteau les Ribes (search the back label for the "les Ribes" designation), is a full-bodied blend of 70% Grenache, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. Loaded with blackberries and blessed with hints of dried spices, it's supple and ripe, almost creamy in texture on the palate, then mixes fresh fruit, garrigue notes and dark chocolate on the lingering finish. This property, owned by the Roux family and with holdings in several different appellations, has been on a serious roll over recent vintages. - Joel Czerwinski."

Notre Dame des Pallières Gigondas Les Mourres 2019 750mL

Les Mourres is a Cru site sitting in the shadows of the famed “Dentelles de Montmirail,” made with old vines, the blend is 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Syrah. Dark ruby purple in color, it has a powerful bouquet of blackberry, cherry and herbs. Very concentrated and rich but also smooth and clean, it is surprisingly drinkable now but will be great for up to 10 years. Aged in concrete, this bottling is perfect with grilled lamb.