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90POINTS
16½/20
Domaine des Escaravailles Les Sablières Côtes du Rhône 2014
Côtes du Rhône, Rhone Valley, FranceEvery time I drink a humble Côtes du Rhône red, I chide myself for not doing it more often. Especially when it's a classic example like this. I first tasted this charming red in the UK (via The Wine Society) so when I saw it on private store shelves here in BC, I picked up a few bottles and went home to grill a chicken. If you're wondering why there's a wee beetle on the label, "escaravailles" is the Occitan name for scarab beetles. The word was also used for the black-robed monks who occupied the area’s Catholic monasteries centuries ago. The domaine has been in the Férran family since the 1950s, and today amounts to 65 hectares of vineyards, 40 of which are in the rocky, clay-limestone hillsides of Rasteau. This grenache/syrah blend comes entirely from Rasteau, and from vines between 30-50 years old. This spent time in stainless and oak barrels. Ample peppery raspberry, wild strawberry, perfumed anise and sweet salami is seasoned with herbal resinous scrub, so typical of the southern Rhone. Tannins are peppery grippy and acidity is lifted to a gentle, lingering finish. This is the typical bistro, roast chicken wine, and one that you should stock up on (as I did). Classic.Tasted: 17 January 2018Tasted by: Treve RingPrices:| BC | $24.00 | 750ml | private wine shops |
