Domaine Oratoire St-Martin Haut-Coustias Blanc, Cairanne, France

圣馬丁莊園上古斯蒂亞斯白葡萄酒

點(diǎn)擊次數(shù)：2738

One of the best whites I tasted on this year's trip to the Southern Rh?ne, the 2017 Cairanne Blanc Haut Coustias is a blend of 40% Clairette and 20% each Grenache Blanc, Marsanne and Roussanne. Ripe and rich, with exotic fruit notes that suggest mango, peach and pineapple, this full-bodied white is nevertheless underscored by great energy, lift and length. Produced from 70- to 90-year-old vines, it's a no-brainer purchase for lovers of white Rh?nes.

Produced from 70- to 90-year-old vines and ridiculously low yields of only 18 hectoliters per hectare, the 2016 Cairanne Blanc Haut Coustias is a marvelous study in complexity and balance. The 40% Clairette and 20% Grenache Blanc go into concrete, the 20% Roussanne goes into foudre and the 20% Marsanne goes into demi-muid. The result is full-bodied, with a rich, honeyed nose and layers of pineapple, melon and citrus fruit, yet somehow it is all balanced by spice, zest and brine. I'd drink it in its first few years, but I wouldn't be surprised if this could still be drinking well at age 5 or even beyond.

A shade behind the spectacular 2016, the 2015 Cairanne Blanc Haut Coustias is still a terrific wine. It shows more toasty, nutty notes on the nose, making it less aromatic and open, but it remains rich, spicy and long, with hints of pineapple, melon and citrus. It's a blend of Clairette, Grenache Blanc, Roussanne and Marsanne that was matured in a variety of different vessels, then blended together prior to bottling.

A beautiful white, the 2012 Cairanne Haut-Coustias Blanc is a blend of 30% Clairette, 30% Roussanne, 20% Marsanne and 20% Grenache Blanc that spent 12 months in demi-muid. It’s a beautifully textured, rich, medium-bodied effort that has classy peach, apple blossom and honeyed citrus aromas and flavors. I love the richness here, and it stays fresh and lively as well, and is superbly balanced. I don’t think it will make old bones, but it should nevertheless dish out plenty of pleasure over the coming 2-3 years.

A serious white, the 2011 Cairanne Haut-Coustias is a blend of Roussanne, Clairette, Grenache Blanc and Marsanne that was aged in demi-muid. Offering a beautifully rich, classy bouquet of buttered toast, marzipan, honeycomb and white flowers, it is medium-bodied, textured and layered on the palate, yet stays remarkably fresh and lively. Showing tinges of minerality on the finish, this beauty warrants a multi-bottle purchase and will drink nicely for 2-3 years. Importer: J & R Selections, Troy MI; Tel. (517) 281-9914