Domaine de la Mordoree Cotes du Rhone la Dame Rousse Rouge 2013
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Robert
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Pair with cold meats and delicatessen, grilled meats, or semi-mature cheeses.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Readers who have read my past reports and, more recently, those of Jeb Dunnuck's on the Southern Rhône Valley know that Domaine de La Mordorée is one of the bright shining stars of that region, if not all of France. This estate continues to be guided by two brothers, Christophe and Fabrice Delorme, and now encompasses over 135 acres spread through several appellations. Jeb Dunnuck has reviewed the more expensive cuvees, but what follows are three terrific values offered by Mordoree. The opaque ruby/purple-colored 2013 Cotes du Rhône La Dame Rousse is another outstanding effort from the Delorme family. Made from 40% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 15% Cinsault and the rest Carignan and Counoise, it is a classic Mediterranean-styled red with medium to full body as well as notes of Provençal herbs, underbrush, sweet cassis and kirsch, and dusty new saddle leather.
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Coming from a long line of winegrowers, the Domaine de la Mordoree was created in 1986 with the philosophy of growing the best possible wines. To that purpose, the best plots and the finest varieties have been chosen, and the winemakers implement cultivation methods that aim at really preserving the environment, while combining tradition and modernity.
In the course of time, 55 hectares of vineyards have been grown, spread over 35 different plots and 8 communes. This division comes from the decision of choosing the best "terroirs" with a wide variety of microclimates.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.