The Wine Guide - By Busa Wine and Spirits

Wine Reviews

Domaine Lafage Cuvée Nicolas Grenache 2009
The Best of Times, the Best of Wines

Regular: $14.99

Sale: $12.99

Case: $144.00

Wine Specifics

Winery: Domaine Lafage
VARIETAL: Grenache
REGION: Languedoc-Roussillon
WINE TYPE: Red Wine

Fortunately, the winemakers’ family name is Lafage, not Defarge. Instead of knitting, they are making dynamite, dynamic wine in the Roussillon area of southern France. Bordering the Mediterranean coast to the east & the Pyrenees & neighboring Spain to the south, credit Roussillon’s geography for its Catalan culture. Jean-Marc & Eliane Lafage are trained enologists who have worked in California, Australia, So Africa & Chile. Jean-Marc is noted for making some great blends from the traditional grapes of southern France & Spain. He worked with Eric Solomon to bring us the acclaimed Las Rocas from Spain.
Domaine Lafage Cuvée Nicolas is classified as a Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes. It is 100% Grenache & vinified in demi-muids. These barrels (600 liters/160 gallons) - -about double and triple the size of “normal” barrels-- provide a greater ratio of volume to surface area and therefore a gentler oak signature. The use of these large barrels places the focus not on oak but on the fruit and terroir. The results are quite simply awesomely delicious, particularly at this price point.

Flashy red color - immediate aromatic intensity of black currant, raspberry and blackberry. The mouth feel is rich, medium to full-bodied, highly concentrated fruit, yet not over the top as it is tempered by an earthy minerality – silky smooth, elegant tannins. Hard to believe it packs a 15% alcohol punch as it is not at all awkward or “hot”. This is a gorgeous, vivacious wine that way over-delivers. I know of no other red wine at this low of a price that leaves you with such an overwhelming impression of dazzling fruit balanced by a firm, sturdy, underlying structure that perfectly reflects the motto of wines imported by Eric Solomon: “Place not Process”.

Reviewed by: Michael

Food Pairing

Flank Steak with garlic wine sauce, lamb shanks, mongetes: a rib-sticking Catalan dish of sausage and beans.

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