2011 Cotes du Rhone Lieu-Dit Clavin

Starting off the estate wines and coming from a 5 hectare plot located around the estate, the 2011 Cotes du Rhone lieu-dit Clavin is a beautiful, savory 2011 that gives up notions of mulled spices, dried herbs, licorice and cassis on the nose. A blend of 80% Grenache and the rest Cinsault, Mourvedre and Syrah, aged all in foudre, this medium-bodied, nicely textured, complex and perfumed Cotes du Rhone will continue to drink nicely for 3-5 years. Drink now-2018. Located in the northern part of the appellation, in mostly sandy soils and a cooler terroir, Domaine de La Vieille Julienne is run by the incredibly talented Jean-Paul Daumen. In addition to his Chateauneuf and Cotes du Rhone releases, he started a negociant label call Daumen, with releases from Chateauneuf du Pape, Gigondas, Lirac and Cotes du Rhone. These are all high quality efforts and show the classic characteristics of the regions they come from. Looking at the Domaine de la Vieille Julienne releases, these 2011s and 2012s are some of the most exciting wines in the vintages and should not be missed! Available in the U.S. through Vin Connect Inc., tel. (415) 857-5740; www.vinconnect.com