While at a Liquor Control Board of Ontario (LCBO) outlet I noticed a lonely bottle of Domaine Lafage 2019 on the shelf which was blessed by a knowledgeable LCBO Vintages consultant who had not tried the 2019 vintage but had tried previous vintages to his delight. I am always willing to take advice from a friendly Vintage’s consultant which I did and gave this bottle of Grenache a home.
What say the wine for aromatics? Raspberry, ripe plump strawberries, cherry and Santa Rosa plum. The fruits are very well integrated and no particular fruit is vying for prominence. On the palate the old Grenache wines have calmed down the richness of Grenache so it is not a burly heavy hitter but it is not lighthearted either. It is mildly tannic with a long but gentle finish. A deep undercurrent of almond infused pomegranate and cactus pear lend some uniqueness to the wine. Would suit tofu and cremini mushrooms marinated in soy sauce, fish sauce, sesame seed oil, rice wine vinegar, Piri Piri sauce and garlic gently fried in a wok and served over organic Japanese buckwheat noodles. Drink by the end of 2023.
(Domaine Lafage Cuvée Nicolas Vieilles Vignes de Grenache Côtes Catalanes 2019, IGT, Maison Lafage Perpignan, France, $19.95, LCBO # 354191, 750 mL, 15%, Robert K. Stephen A Little Birdie Told Me So Rating 89/100).
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