550983 Thu Aug 21 21:13:26 -0700 2008 3 34 Wine 0 3977240 This rather belongs to the WOW thread a few inches down. But I start a new one instead, for two very good reasons: a) I want to brag about it, and b) it is a WOW, certainly but a subtle, refined, low-profilish wow if I may say so. Full label reads : 1988 Domaine de Trévallon Coteaux d'Aix en Provence Les Baux Robert Haas Selection - Bordeaux - Beaune Mis en bouteille au Domaine Jacqueline Dürrbach Propriétaire à 13150 St-Étienne-du-Grès Imported by Vineyard Brands In another thread, bubbles4me made the clear distinction between " 'the berries and cherry' group and the more 'the way it makes you feel' set". I definitely belong to the second. However, I can't resist the temptation to mention : chocolate tobacco old port lively acidity, fruitiness brick color ( hey, after all, a Coteaux d'Aix en Provence year is, what, 5 Pauillac-years? ) Got the entire batch for a song. Thanks to the ratings. Or rather, the lack thereof. Matched to a flank steak, baked potatoes, heirloom tomatoes & arugula salad. I'm in heaven, still a couple inches of the Trévallon left. ( Not that I care much, but just out of curiosity, what grape is this made of? ) Thu Aug 21 21:13:31 -0700 2008 28703 RicRios 1 3979000 Good question, Ric. Probably a Grenache/Syrah blend (with maybe some Mourvedre) like much of the wine from the Les Baux area. I have enjoyed that wine several times over the years, and I turned a bit "green" with envy when I read your tasting notes. Fri Aug 22 13:12:53 -0700 2008 3977240 52499 ChefJune 1 3979047 < but just out of curiosity, what grape is this made of? )> I just found a comment that said it's a Syrah/Cabernet Sauvignon blend. Fri Aug 22 13:29:47 -0700 2008 3977240 52499 ChefJune 2 3979161 Yup. That's what I found as well : http://www.thewinedoctor.com/provence/trevallon.shtml "The principal wine at Domaine de Trevallon is a red cuvée, which is a 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah. Meat and drink to Australians, but distinctly unorthodox in France, and bothersome to both local and Bordeaux authorities. The latter are troubled by a source of high quality, ripe Cabernet Sauvignon from outside Bordeaux. The former by the appearance of this varietal in a local blend, and their response was to change the local appellation regulations, decreasing the amount of Cabernet permitted in AC Coteaux d'Aix vineyards to a measly 20%. Durrbach's response was to market his wines as VdP des Bouches du Rhône, thereby avoiding the AC regulations on encépagement, leaving him unfettered with regard to the addition of Cabernet Sauvignon. This has been the state of play since 1994, and Durrbach seems quite content to continue this way. After all, like Chateau Simone and Chateau Musar, Domaine de Trevallon is one of those rare wines that will sell regardless of what is printed on the label. (3/5/05)" Fri Aug 22 13:57:30 -0700 2008 3979047 28703 RicRios