Wines of Christmas Past...OK, just 2009

Here's a quick photo shot of some (but not all) of the wines "we" worked on during the late 2009 holiday season, with some help from my parents. The highlights were the Chateauneuf (Charbonniere, 2005, note below), and the Jaffurs 07 Syrah (note below). Out of the "budget" wines, I'd have to say the 08 Briccotondo was my favorite, just a batch of wild strawberries with good balance and acidity for food. Since I didn't post a separate tasting note for the Bricco that'll have to do - had the 07 which I found a bit gutsier, but this is still lovely for around a $12-14 wine. Happy 2010 everyone!

2005 Domaine de la Charbonniere, Mourre des Perdrix Chateauneuf-du-Pape

From the legendary 05 vintage, we enjoyed the Charbonniere Chateauneuf with a roasted whole leg of lamb, with an olive paste crust stuck on, and it was a great match. Fantastic raspberry-blackberry aromas carried over to the palate, and there's a wonderful mineral spine to this wine ("wet rocks") that was palpable from start to finish, with a solid 30+ second finish. At a hefty 15% ABV this was no lightweight, and it's a bit frightening to see this kind of alcohol from a southern Rhone wine. But it carried its balance, and its alcohol, deftly. My only regret? Not keeping it for another decade (or two). This has a lot of stuffing and complexity that will show well in even a few more years. For us, 93/100.

Bottom line: A great CdePape for about $40.