2009 Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d'Argile

The 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile is sensational. Notes of black currants and cherries as well as hints of charcoal, truffle, new saddle leather and earth all jump from the glass of this blend of 70% Grenache and the rest mostly Mourvedre with a touch of Carignan. Aged completely in foudres and older small barrels, it is dense ruby/purple, full-bodied, opulent, and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. This impeccably run estate, in the capable hands of Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father, is one of the superstars of the southern Rhone Valley. Over the last 12-15 years, the quality of the wines has gone from strength to strength, with brilliant wines being produced in all price categories. They make sumptuous, complex, world-class red, white and rose Cotes du Rhones, and year-in and year-out, their Chateauneuf du Papes are among the top three or four wines of the vintage. Tasting two great vintages (2009 and 2010) from the Sabons was one of the most thrilling tastings I have had this year. My tasting began with some unbelievable Cotes du Rhones. Importer: Eric Solomon, European Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

A ripe, modern styled Côtes du Rhône that comes from pebble and clay soils located north of the town of Courthézon, the 2009 Terre d'Argile is a blend of equal parts Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre that has the Syrah and Mourvèdre aged in small barrels (1/3 new) and the Grenache in vat. Despite the stint in oak, it is more the upfront, powerful ripeness that gives this cuvee its modern slant, as the oak is barely discernable. Displaying first-rate aromatics of ripe blackberry, licorice, loamy earth, spice cabinet, and hints of minerality, this medium to full-bodied, fleshy wine delivers gorgeous levels of texture, a balanced, clean feel, and ripe tannin on the finish. Very well done and a solid combination of upfront fruit and underlying balance and poise, this should continue to shine for upwards of a decade.

The 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Terre d’Argile is sensational. Notes of black currants and cherries as well as hints of charcoal, truffle, new saddle leather and earth all jump from the glass of this blend of 70% Grenache and the rest mostly Mourvedre with a touch of Carignan. Aged completely in foudres and older small barrels, it is dense ruby/purple, full-bodied, opulent, and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. ||This impeccably run estate, in the capable hands of Christophe Sabon, his sister Isabelle, and their father, is one of the superstars of the southern Rhone Valley. Over the last 12-15 years, the quality of the wines has gone from strength to strength, with brilliant wines being produced in all price categories. They make sumptuous, complex, world-class red, white and rose Cotes du Rhones, and year-in and year-out, their Chateauneuf du Papes are among the top three or four wines of the vintage. Tasting two great vintages (2009 and 2010) from the Sabons was one of the most thrilling tastings I have had this year. My tasting began with some unbelievable Cotes du Rhones. Wine Advocate.October, 2011