Domaine de Fondreche Cuvee Nadal 2006
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Parker
Robert
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The cuvée Nadal is a wine produced from equal parts old vine Syrah and Grenache. The Syrah finishes alcoholic fermentation and goes through malo in 300 liter casks, while the Grenache is finished in tank. Nadal requires 1-2 years aging from its release and can be kept for more than a decade. The wine is inky and displays fresh and juicy red fruits with tremendous depth, complexity and length.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2006 Nadal, which in this vintage is a blend of 45% old vine Grenache (vines planted in 1936), 45% old vine Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, has a dark ruby/purple color, a big sweet kiss of kirsch liqueur intermixed with licorice, loamy soil notes, and hints of pepper and lavender. It is full bodied, fleshy, rich, and ideal for drinking over the next 4-5 years.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.