Domaine Durieu (France) Cotes du Rhone Villages 2000
Jonny and Caroline Gibson of Wine Discoveries first met Antoine Ferre, head winemaker at Domaine Durieu, at a wine show in Paris and were so impressed by his wines that they subsequently visited his Rhone estate and began importing several of them. This has a very dark crimson colour and a nose crammed with crushed berry fruit that is terrifically ripe and plush, with a velvet-dark richness, peppery spice, and an earthy, brooding darkness. The palate has a rich, bramble and spice appeal, with a good texture and chewy mouthfeel. There’s a raft of sweet, dark, prune and blackcurrant and a lovely background of sweet, smoky, almost grilled-meat quality. This is a brilliant red, with supple, but powerful tannins and a beautiful acid balance. With staying power, concentration and fine, fine fruit this is excellent at the price. £8.25 Wine Discoveries
