So I’ve arrived in Paris and am currently crashing at a friend’s house until I find an apartment (help!) so that my wife and daughter can come join me as well. As a going away treat, I opened a fancy red to go with a giant barbecued steak.
Domaine Gauby
Gauby is undeniably the most notorious producer in southern France’s Roussillon region. Relatively close to Spain, the similarly hot climate here tends to produce quite powerful wines, perhaps even too powerful at times… this is where Gauby comes in.
This already well established estate took a drastic departure in their wine making style, harvesting grapes earlier and favoring elegance and finesse in a land of brutes. Some have since followed his lead and there has been a mini revival over the past few years, with plenty of excitement coming out of this region.
2008 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Vieilles Vignes
Impression (++)
The noble oak aromas are what initially caught my attention. In fact, the nose on this young wine kept drawing me towards Bordeaux with all the aristocratic qualities one associates with the very refined stamp of expensive barrique. This is not to say that the fruit was hindered, as it was also very present without ever getting too ripe, but my thoughts kept coming back to this delicate and luxurious, even majestic upbringing.
As I kissed this king’s hand in submission, I quickly came to understand that this was no simple figurehead. The incredible strength and sheer might which revealed itself upon contact first surprised me, but as he pulled his long, razor sharp blade and wielded it at my palate, it became clear: the Roussillon king is a conqueror!
There was no brute force here, but an intelligent and precise attack, delivering a massive blow through the center, while the archers pierce through the flank with a stunning acidity. Finally, the cavalry catches the enemy off guard on the surprise finish, claiming victory and marching straight onto the next glass for a seemingly effortless bottle-wide triumph! While well funded at around 30 Euros, this king definitely conquered, and while the iron fist came out on the battlefield, he did not forget to rule with a very velvety tannic glove!
Interesting encounter you had there. We have also met the King of R in battle in the past, but sadly one or two of those battles we clearly won. On other occasions he has been splendid though.