Domaine les Grands Bois Viognier, Côtes du Rhône
2012
A delicious Viognier from the Southern Rhône’s superb 2010 vintage. Robert Parker awarded this wine 90 points, describing it as “maybe the finest value in Viognier that I have ever tasted.” Domaine Les Grands Bois, producers of our best selling red, only make very small volumes meaning that their wines are concentrated and packed with character. The result is a sophisticated, floral wine with fantastic minerality and depth.
The Press
(Wine of the Week) “Ok, rule book out of the window! This lusty, ripe, alluring Viognier—the white, not red, that you need with the smoked ham and barley soup. You will not find a better team, this week than this partnership.”—Matthew Jukes, Daily Mail “As readers have undoubtedly noted from previous reports on southern Rhones and best values, Domaine Les Grands Bois's proprietor, Marc Besnardeau, is at the top of his game, producing a bevy of wines that represents great value and over-delivers in every category. It seems like whatever Besnardeau fashions is well above its humbe pedigree and modest price. These 2009s and 2010s are the estate's finest effort since the brilliant 2007s.”—Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate “90 Points—may be the finest value in Viognier that I have ever tasted. Made from tiny yields of 20 hectoliters per hectare this wine’s extraordinary minerality was an unexpected surprise as I was expecting a tutti-fruity, plump white. Instead I got a classic Viognier exhibiting lots of floral, apricot, and peach notes intermixed with a crushed-rock like character as well as good acidity.”—Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate “A winner, the 2010 Côtes du Rhône Viognier was fashioned from 10 to 60 year old Viognier vines cropped at a remarkably low 20 hectolitres per hectare. Explosive aromas of dried apricots, white peach and honeysuckle soar from the glass of this medium bodied, crisp, dry, refreshing authentic Viognier. It is difficult to believe that anyone can produce such a good Viognier (a somewhat tricky varietal) at this price ”—Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateOur tasting notes
Golden yellow in colour. An intense floral nose with hints of pear, peach and apricot. Fresh, with lots of fruit but also a crisp minerality and a long full finish. Producers Mireille and Marc Besnardeau recommend it with roast pigeon or guinea fowl with prunes with morel cream sauce.Wine data
Grape variety: Viognier 90%, Grenache white and gray 10%Appellation: Côtes du Rhône
Alcohol: 14.5%
About Viognier
Viognier is most commonly associated with the Rhône, especially the northern parts, where it became extremely fashionable through its expression in Condrieu. Its distinctive aromatic nature has meant that it is a popular blending partner for both reds wines (with Syrah in Côte Rôtie) and white wines (most commonly with Grenache, Marsanne, Rousanne or Chardonnay).
Prices are inclusive of delivery for orders equivalent to 12 75cl bottles within the UK mainland and 24 75cl bottles for Northern Ireland, Highlands and islands. A delivery charge of £3.00 will be added to orders of 6–11 bottles and £7.50 for orders under 6 for the UK. Please note there may be a surcharge for delivery to Northern Ireland and Islands. Please call 020 7549 7900 for more info or read our Delivery/Collection Information and Terms & Conditions. We use recycled boxes for our mixed cases to help protect the environment.
