The 2018 vintage just arrived -- yes, it's spectacular!
Every year is different in the wine business — 2020 has been a real doozie so far! It’s sometimes frustrating and always challenging; however, my job is to navigate all of the vintage and quality changes to bring my customers the very best available — it’s a job I take very seriously! Perhaps the most frustrating aspect of my business is when a particular wine becomes unavailable. In some years, the ongoing changes in importer or distribution availability are the cause. In other years, the winemaker may choose to sell their entire production in another part of the world.
Quality is also an issue, and a poor vintage may present wines unsuitable for sale — which means they won’t make their way to my shelves. In a world where practically anything you want is just a click and a couple of days away, it’s always tricky when I have to explain to a customer why their favorite wine won’t be arriving this year.
On the other hand, it’s always a good day when a wine that was a staff and customer favorite returns after a conspicuous absence. I was delighted last year when my good friend, Jean-Christian Rostagni, informed me that he is now importing the wines of Château Rochecolombe. I’m thrilled to welcome back the 2018 vintage!
Château Rochecolombe
I first met owners Florence and Roland Terrasse at Château Rochecolombe eight or nine years ago and instantly fell in love with their wines. They are upholding the family tradition of making superb wines blended from old vine Grenache and Syrah. Their estate, located in the commune of Bourg-Saint-Andéol in the Southern Rhône, has been certified organic since 2007, and the couple practices just the right blend of cutting-edge and traditional winemaking methodology. Thanks to super-low yields in their vineyards and the family’s history of winemaking excellence, their wines are packed with character and complexity and are textbook examples of the region.
Château Rochecolombe 2018 Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah, all sourced from old vine parcels. Their 2018, once again, sports terrific richness and balance with complex notes of plum, cherry, tobacco leaf, and espresso, featuring a lovely beam of garrigue leading to an opulent, yet fresh and lifted palate. Everything is perfectly balanced with this wine, and it’s another instant hit with me, as well as the staff. It’s a more luxurious and full-bodied Côtes du Rhône, so enjoy this with meats from the grill, stews, and ragouts; however, it’s fresh and lifted enough to enjoy with pork and chicken pairings. Hammond and I enjoyed a glass yesterday with rosemary broiled chicken — the pairing was a delight!
More is on the way!
We sold out of the Rochecolombe in the first few hours of it’s arrival. No worries, more is on the way. Jean-Christian will be here with a delivery shortly and we’re taking pre-orders. Call to get on the reserve list.
828.253.0060
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Château Rochecolombe Côtes du Rhône
Rhône Valley, France- Can't make it in? Call 828-253-0060 with your credit card number.
We'll hold your purchase in our temperature controlled cellar for pickup at your convenience
or we'll arrange for delivery.