Château de Nages JT Costières de Nîmes 2009, Rhône, France

Wow, what a beautiful and powerful wine, all for $21.95. This wine opens up with aromas of blueberry and blackberry fruit, black currants, licorice, bitter chocolate and black pepper notes. On the mouthfeel, full bodied with great energy and flavours, chewy tannins and balance acidity. This Rhône blend finish is long, lively, spicy with fine grained tannins. Very attractive wine with lots of detail. This wine is mostly Syrah at 95% with Mourvèdre in a supporting role at 5%, alcohol coming in at 14.5%, maceration for 30 days followed up by 12 months of barrel fermentation of which 25% are new French oak. Great value, score 91 points.

Purchased June 23, 2012 LCBO New Release (736876) at $21.95