Tasting Note: Domaine Viret

2004 Domaine Viret Emergence Cotes du Rhone Villages Saint Maurice

Grenache, Carignan, Syrah

Suprisingly fruity, then menthol freshness with rose and raspberry. Animal and manure qualities creep in along with leather. Amazing natural acidity even at 15% alcohol. Grainy tannins leave lasting impression like licking grains of sand. Medium long finish with smoke and old "chalky" milk chocolate - the kind that has been sitting out for a couple of days. Some heat, but somehow balances the overall intensity of this rich and rustic wine.

2005 Domaine Viret Maréotis Cotes du Rhone Villages Saint Maurice

Grenache and Syrah

Deep, dark and purple, and very cloudy. Right out of the bottle - caper juice. Then pencil lead, white stone (marble), and sod. Perfumed with brioche with dried fruits/currants, charred meat. Full bodied, dense, and meaty. Grainy and leathery big tannins. Good acidity throughout. Teeth staining.