The other night we were supporting our local bistro, Les Faux, when I noticed on the chalkboard they were featuring the Ferrand Chateauneuf-du-Pape. At $130 a bottle. We opted for a more basic Cotes-du-Rhone. And, when the Ferrand release came into Marquis earlier this year, we did the same.
The “antique” is about as base model as you can get from Ferrand, but even a Toyota Corolla goes forwards and backwards and stops when you brake. It ain’t no Lexus but it absolutely has enormous utility. If there is a fault, it’s much too easy to drink in 2020. Gentler woodsy/dusty notes than some Rhone blends, restrained fruit, a hot lick of pepper, and a lovely cherry on the finish. Concrete not filtered but, you know, refined. Very Grenache Forward.
Jeb Dunnuck said it has loads of charm. Yes. Loads of charm. And at $15 less than equivalent blends in BC’s Okanagan (from vines half a century younger) it has thrift to boot. Go Cotes-du-Rhone.
Price: $34 before a modest discount for a half case at Marquis.
Market Liquidity: Like a scene stealing cameo in a film littered with stars.
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