Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
My favorite vintage of this cuvee to date, the 2012Nostre Pais Costieres de Nimes comes from the southern, cooler part of the appellation and was bottled in June of this year. A blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 20% Mourvèdre and the balance Carignan and Cinsault, it was fermented with 25-50% whole clusters and aged half in 1-2 year old demi-muids and half in concrete tanks. Gorgeous black raspberry, cassis, licorice, wild herbs and crushed flowers all emerge from this medium to full-bodied, seamless and thrillingly pure 2012. Possessing fantastic complexity, freshness and textured, it’s an incredible wine from this often overlook appellation. Drink it over the coming 3-5 years.
Range: 93-94
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.
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.