VIP - Wine Club February 2025 – Viva La France!
Cellier Des Princes - Domaine des Escondudes
France, Rhone Valley, Chateauneuf du Pape
100% Grenache
Tasting notes
The name Escondudes comes from the Spanish word "Escondidas" (hidden) in reference to the special, little hidden valley where the vineyard of Domaine Les Escondudes is located. Thanks to its rocky soil with large round pebbles, its grape varieties and its traditional winemaking method, the Domaine des Escondudes offers an elegant tannic structure. It is full and round in the mouth with licorice flavors and spices coming from the Grenache grape. This elegant wine exhibits red berries notes, such as red currant and cherry with a spicy finish. The tannins are polished and fine.
Estate
Cellier des Princes was founded in 1925 by a group of dedicated wine growers. 11 years later, these visionary men were involved in the creation of the 1st AOC appellation in France, Chateauneuf du Pape. Prior to 2005, the group of Cellier des Princes sold their grapes to other wineries. In 2005 they started directly bottling their own wines to show the prestige and quality of their historic vineyards. Utilizing traditional methods and modern equipment, the winery makes wines offering the purest expression of each terroir and appellation. Today, Cellier des Princes has become a reference in Rhône Valley and Chateauneuf du Pape, under its own brand, known for its excellent quality.
Arnoux & Fils - Vieux Clocher - Symphonie Des Galets
France, Rhone Valley, Chateauneuf du Pape
60% Grenache, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault
Tasting notes
Aromas of fresh black cherries, violets and warming spices offer freshness and an inviting energy. This focused wine is packed with power and structure that will benefit from cellar aging well through 2040+.
Winemaker Notes
The vineyard soils are comprised of red clay covered by stone and pebbles, hence the name Symphonie des Galets (or Symphony of Stones). The careful blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre and Cinsault was fermented in temperature-controlled vats for 20 days, followed by 6 months of aging in French Oak barrels. This is a truly stunning wine with as much balance and complexity as there is elegance and structure. This vintage develops a complex aroma of red fruits with a hint of spices. It is full-bodied and mellow, and you will be enchanted by its power of fine and silky tannins. With a little patience and a few years, its bouquet will become more refined and will develop aromas of ripe fruits mixed with subtle hints of leather and venison. You can then appreciate its velvety power and its harmony.