70% Grenache, 20-25% Syrah, the rest is Mourvèdre and probably a little bit of Carignan! This wine is the fruit of four different producers. Some of the grapes come from the plain of Cairanne, bringing fruit and richness, the remainder from the slopes of Cairanne (just in front of the church) bestowing structure and spice. After malolactic,
100% of the wine is barrel-aged in French oak (approx 1/3 each of new, 1 and 2 year old) for 16 months, followed by a few months rest in tank.

Minty and intriguing smell. Quite sweet, but also darkly spicy. Good.


Alc 14%, TA 3.20g/l, pH 3.65, RS 1.85g/l. Available from Wine Direct and 182 branches.
15/10/2008

Re-tasted 11 Aug 2010 - still beautiful. Some farmyard crept in, and the mint has gone but it's a beautiful wine. Grab with both hands.

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mel

Réserve des Hospitaliers 2007, Waitrose £8.99. Cork stopper, Darker ruby than is usual, still opaque in the glass and no sediment yet.

The '07 is good. Not quite ready in my book.

The oak in this Rhone is excellent, really does provide structure. The wine drinks very well 24 hours after opening (not vaccu-vinned, but cool pantry floor) Dark navy plum, black and wild cherry with a spice twist, oak with a vanilla note, full and ripe (not dry) with a comfortable mouth feel.

Needs longer for the farmyard to emerge. A nice Rhone village wine. This wine will continue to improve if you are looking for extra depth.

Good.

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Duncan

Réserve des Hospitaliers 2008, Waitrose £9.49 now - VAT increase inclusive.

Not tried '08 - However, if you see the '07 on the shelf, and you are a Rhone rouge imbiber, buy with confidence.

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Duncan