2005 Le Clos du Caillou Côtes du Rhône Les Quartz

The 2005 Cotes du Rhone Les Quartz boasts even deeper fruit, more body, and actually tastes like a Chateauneuf du Pape. It is dark ruby and exhibits peppery wet stone/crushed rock notes interwoven with plenty of cassis and sweet cherry notes. It is a beauty, full-bodied and capable of lasting 5-8 years. Kudos to Sylvie Vacheron, who is carrying on the legacy of her husband, Jean-Denis Vacheron, after his untimely death in 2001. Working with noted oenologist, Bruno Gaspard, this estate has rebounded from that tragedy with some brilliant efforts in both their Cotes du Rhone and Chateauneuf du Pape selections. The renowned southern Rhone oenologist, Philippe Cambie, also keeps an eye on things here, so there is quite a brain trust in operation for this estate tucked away in the northeast corner of the appellation, just across the winding road from Beaucastel. Importers: David Hinkle, North Berkeley Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 848-8910, and a Christopher Cannan Selection, various American importers, including Michael Skurnik, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300 and Diamond Wine Merchant, Oakland, CA; tel. (510) 567-9897