Domaine Les Aphillanthes - Cotes-du-Rhone Villages "Le Cros" Syrah 750ml (14.5% abv)
Forget about GSM! The rare all- Syrah Côtes du Rhône Villages
Cuvee du Cros is one of the few wines from this estate that’s aged in barrel. It offers lots of graphite, black pepper, black and blue fruits and well integrated oak as well as full-bodied richness, plush fruit and plenty of finesse. It’s showing ample structure, fruit and depth. Perfect winter red. much in the fashion of a great Northern Rhone, but with the ripeness and character of the Southern Rhone.
Robert Parker: “Rarely does a 100% Syrah cuvee from the Southern Rhône rock my boat.” “one of the leading southern Rhone estates for value,” “Proprietor Daniel Boulle has done brilliant work over the last decade plus, and now works with the talented Philippe Cambie as his oenologist,” Parker raved. “The wines continue to go from strength to strength, including these less expensive offerings. If you haven’t familiarized yourself with Domaine Les Aphillanthes, it’s time to do so.”
What sets Domaine Les Aphillanthes apart is an incredibly unique situation in the vineyard: irrepressible vines that snake down through stony and sandy-loam soils to depths of 100 feet — the equivalent of a 10-story building! Most vines in the world only grow to depths of 10-25 feet.
Since 2007, proprietors Helene and Daniel Boulle have adhered to a strict biodynamic script. The Boulles’ insistence on biodynamic farming can be costly, given the constant attention and care required
In 2004, the Boulles’ hired Philippe Cambie, who would be named “Winemaker of the Year” by Parker in 2010. Cambie has authored an incredible 25 wines that have earned 98-100 points from Parker — ELEVEN of which have reached the 100-point apex. His work in the southern Rhône has often been compared to that of Michel Rolland on Bordeaux’s Right Bank. Cambie’s contribution is yet another reason why Parker considers Domaine Les Aphillanthes “one of the finest estates in the southern Rhône for their selection of Côtes du Rhône-Villages.”
It projects the quality of an exceptional Chateauneuf-du-Pape, or top-shelf Cornas. Dark purple to the rim. Voluptuous aromas of blackberries, violets, plums and cherry compote, with licorice and tobacco spice. Ripe, full-bodied, with palate-coating youthful black- and blue-fruit preserves, whispers of dark chocolate and crème de cassis. Soft and supple tannins are buttressed by juicy yet firm acidity, while the finish is impressive, punctuated by concentrated layers of complex dark fruit, spice, and garrigue. It will dazzle now and for the next decade.
Low yields of 25hL/ha.
Varietal: Syrah
Vine Age: 40 years
Soil Type: Cailloux/Galets Roulets over clay-limestone
region Southern Rhône
varietal 100% Syrah
style red
farming/cellar: biodynamic, Aged in barrique and demi-muids for 12 months, unfined, unfiltered,
pairing