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| The set up for La Ferme du Mont |
A lunch and tasting at the Novotel Esplanade in Toronto (Cafe Nicole) with winemaker and owner of La Ferme du Mont winery in the Rhone Valley, Stephane Vedeau ... eight wines were poured - 6 scheduled and two special wines that Stephane "brought over in his luggage". Here's what we learned ...
"Making wine is only interesting when the terroir is special."
- Stephane Vedeau
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| 2014 La Truffiere ($16.95) 50% Grenache White, 40% Viognier (3% Botrytis Affected), 10% Clairette Nice acidity with pineapple, melon and minerality - long finish and good weight (*** 1/2+) |
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| 2014 Rose ($16.95) 100% Grenache Aromas full of citrus pith followed on the palate with raspberry and grapefruit pith - dry and refreshing (*** 1/2) |
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| First of the "special" wines 2012 Clos Bellene "Les Echalas" ($16.95) 100% Rousanne (late harvested in November) Aromas of melon and pineapple rind with lime zest Mouthfeel is round and thick, dry and pleasant Impressive vicosity with a buckwheat linger (*** 1/2+) |
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| 2012 "Premier Cote" - Cote du Rhone ($14.95) 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre Pinot-esque in its delicacy: mineral, raspberry, sour cherry with blackberry, cassis and some savoury notes - fresh and clean 14.2% alcohol is not noticeable on either the nose or palate (****) |
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| 2012 "Le Ponnant" - Cote du Rhone Villages ($18.95) 60% Grenache (oldest vineyards), 40% Syrah Licorice, spice, blackberry, spiced-cranberry, loads of acidity with great mid-palate layered with red and black fruit. Keeps getting better and fruitier with each sip. Finishes with licorice, black cherry and blackberry (****+) |
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| 2013 "Jugundas" - Gigondas ($29.95) 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah Big red berry notes with hints of anise, vanilla, smoke and minerality ... fresh, full and lovely with raspberry, strawberry and pepper on the finish. Savoury, supple and floral - great value (**** 1/2) |
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| Second of the "special" wines 2013 Clos Bellene "Purete 400" 100% Grenache Red licorice, raspberry, strawberry jam - fruity and fun misleadingly light, simple yet balanced and delicious (*** 1/2+) |
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| 2011 "Cote Capelan" - Chateauneuf du Pape ($80.00) 80% Grenache, 10% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre 2.5 hectares of pre-phylloxera Grenache aged in top selection of oak. Rich red and black fruit with chocolate, cherry, blackberry, licorice and spice - nice balanced tannins (**** 1/2) |
Other Pictures from the Lunch ...
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| Stephane Vedeau talks about his wines |
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| The eight wines of the tasting |
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| Simple sirloin for lunch paired well with the Rhone reds |
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| Rich chocolate cake for dessert - another red pairing |
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| "Super Sommelier" Zoltan Szabo examines the wine |
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