2010 Michel Gassier Visan Cercius Côtes du Rhone Villages 750ml

Quick Overview

Cercius (85% Grenache & 15% Syrah) is a profound ruby color. The nose is intense and complex, with aromas of dark berries, licorice, and garrigue herbs. Opulent and velvety, without being heavy, this wine's fruity finish has an aerial expression of ripe tannins.

Wine
Ratings 93RP

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2010 Michel Gassier Visan Cercius Côtes du Rhone Villages ENLARGE

2010 Michel Gassier Visan Cercius Côtes du Rhone Villages 750ml

On the southern edge of the Rhone Valley near the ancient city of Nimes the legendary mistral winds of Provence sweep over the vines and out to the Mediterranean Sea. The Latin name for these north- northwest winds is CERCIUS – the defining feature and raison d’etre for partners Michel Gassier, Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon to launch this project. The brisk cross winds protect the grapes freshness which is preserved during vinification in concrete tanks.

ROBERT PARKER RATING: 93

ROBERT PARKER REVIEW: Wow, is this an exciting wine! A custom cuvee put together by importer Eric Solomon along with the brilliant oenologist Philippe Cambie and Costieres de Nimes’ up-and-coming superstar, Michel Gassier, this blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah (and there are 5,000 cases for the US) comes from the 70- to 80-year-old Grenache vines on the plateau of Domazan to the south of Chateauneuf du Pape. This sensational wine tastes more like Chateauneuf du Pape than just about any Cotes du Rhone one is likely to find. It is also another example of what looks to be another great vintage emerging from the southern Rhone – 2010. This is one of the greatest Cotes du Rhones I have ever tasted – wonderfully intense, deep ruby with some purple tinges, with a stunning nose of black raspberry liqueur intermixed with sweet cherries, licorice, pepper and Provencal lavender. Round, generous, opulent and heady, this fabulously intense, hedonistic wine should be drunk over the next 3-4 years. Bravo!