What a difference a good vintage makes
to affordable southern Rhones, particularly at the village and reserve level.
Having read Mel's tasting notes for the above wine, I can confirm that one of my favourites for the '07 vintage, Chartreuse Reserve de Bonpas CdR was also performing in a very similar vein on the '09 vintage as well.
Louis Bernard Chartreuse de Bonpas Reserve 2009 also exhibits an inviting nose, with enough structure and tannin to be satisfying. The fragrance and grenache lift to the flavour taking a while to blossom in the glass. I bought some when Sainsbury's were doing their 25% promo for any six (£8.99 less 25%)
Yes, more expensive than the La Chasse du Pape but still very good value for the level of enjoyment, and a wine that you may safely acquire when the Spring offers begin before Easter.
There is talk on this forum of keeping these '09 for a while. I'm not so sure about this judgement. As yet, I don't think they will keep as long as the '07s. The few '09s I've had were a little softer at this stage and a little less concentrated than the 07's, and have been made to be immediately appealing. The '07s are still drinking well, but are beginning to fade at the affordable level. The fading is mainly due to the subsiding of the grenache fragrance, and where the syrah can become more dominant and dull. As long as there is sufficient mourvèdre in the blend this is ok, because a gamey element will pop up with more bottle age. I don't find the dominance of syrah that appealing in an affordable southern rhone, and care should be taken to drink them before the syrah becomes dull (very very different from sweet NW shiraz)
Note ....If you've ever drunk aged Saint Joseph from a mediocre and less ripe vintage, you'll know exactly what I mean when I say "flat and bloody dull". Take these easy southern Rhones when the fruit and frangrance is ascendant, mature for a wee while for some farmyard - do not leave too long; is my initial assessment.
We'll have to see what M. Chapoutier's base southern rhones are like, when they come up, to be more sure of keeping qualities. To see how much structure they can achieve on the '09s.
I wonder if a succession of nice Côtes du Rhone vintages '07 and '09 can convert a few new world addicts ? - Lucky for french producers - eh ! Just in the nick-of-time for affordable france.
