2011 Le Caillou

There is no sulphur addition whatsoever in the 2011 Cotes du Rhone Nature, a 100% Grenache cuvee. While I am skeptical as to how well these non-sulphured wines can be transported, this offering is a delicious, pure wine with a dark color as well as lots of texture and character. This estate, which encompasses considerable acreage, produces Cotes du Rhones and Chateauneuf du Papes. It has nearly 25 acres in the former appellation as well as a remarkable 42 acres in the actual clos (or walled vineyard) of Caillou. Part of that is only 500 meters from the Rayas vineyard. The cellars and the clos are located in the eastern/northeastern sector of the appellation. The vineyards have been biodynamically farmed since 2003, and Domaine du Caillou is one of the reference points for Chateauneuf du Pape as well as Cotes du Rhone. Much of the credit for this must go to proprietress Sylvie Vacheron, who lost her husband in a tragic traffic accident in 2001. Along with her two daughters and her assistants, Bruno Gaspard and Aude Perch as well as consulting oenologist Philippe Cambie, Sylvie continues to produce an enviable portfolio of world-class wines. The Cotes du Rhone are Provencal in style. As for the Chateauneuf du Papes, they have hit home runs with all their 2011s. Sylvie Vacheron told me that their terroir within the clos is actually one of the most precocious in Chateauneuf du Pape, and their harvest often occurs at least two weeks before some of the cooler terroirs of the appellation. That’s somewhat mind-boggling when you realize that Chateauneuf du Pape is not that large. The 2010 Cotes du Rhones are all marvelous wines. The three 2010 Chateauneuf du Papes are stunning. Readers should not forget about Domaine du Caillou’s white wines, which continue to go from strength to strength. Importers: North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910; Dionysos Imports, Manassas, VA; tel. (703) 392-7073; Import Wines, Middleton, WI; tel. (608) 833-8622; and Domaine Select Wine Estates, New York, NY; tel. (212) 279-0799