A nice Grenache Noir with notes of complexity that emerge over time…
Name: Nicolas Côtes Catalanes 100% Grenache Noir Vieilles Vignes
Vintage: 2013
Producer: Domaine Lafage
Region/Country: Côtes Catalanes, Roussillon I.G.P., France
Grape Varietal(s): Grenache Noir
Consumed: At home
Recommended By: LCBO
Cost: 18.95 CAD
Bottle Presentation: Clean, simple, and understated label
Appearance: Medium ruby red
Nose: Leather, sour cherries, currants, meat, and black pepper
Taste: Quite tannic with leather, earth/minerals, sour red berries, and hints of mint and licorice
Finish: Earth, prominent tannins, and alcohol
Overall Impression: It took some time for this wine to open. Earthiness/minerality and black pepper emerged after pronounced tannins and sour berries. With peppercorn steak, the black pepper and licorice came out, with some mint or menthol. With baked fries, the sour berries and alcohol emerged. It seems like a versatile red, but may be better suited to poultry or lighter dishes.
Rating (from 70 to 100): 84/100
Value: 4/5