Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Iche has crafted a 2007 Minervois Tradition that smells of ripe cassis and black cherries tinged with resinous herbs and bitter fruit pit and toasted nuts, elements that all contribute to its almost silken-textured palate impression where one finds underlying richness of salted beef stock and dark chocolate. In the best manner of its vintage, we have here a combination of richness and elegance. The finish of chocolate-covered black fruits, bouillon, and herbal concentrate is not in the least superficially sweet, but instead remains possessed of real refreshment, with the cyanic note of cherry stone and tincture of iodine offering lasting, subtly bitter counterpoint. This exceptional value should be a delight over at least the next 2-3 years.
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.
Recognized for its concentrated and sultry reds made predominantly of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this western Languedoc appellation is also famous for the charming and delicate fortified Vin Doux Naturel called Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois. The dry rosé and white wines of Minervois are also worth seeking out.