Deep purple color; plum, blackberry, smoked meat, raspberry, cherry, garrigue (lavender, juniper, sage, thyme, rosemary), smoke on the nose and palate.
Dry; pleasant, elegant tannins and supporting acidity. Smooth, round in the mouth. Medium-plus body. Blend of 60% grenache, 40% syrah. The 2018 vintage was almost ideal, there were some issues with mildew thanks to early spring rains, but then excellent weather prevailed through the harvest. Grapes manually harvested, then blocks were sorted, destemmed, and vatted separately. The syrah is vinified in large oak foudres and the grenache in stainless steel tanks. There is no new oak influence in this wine. Regular punchdowns for both. Blending happens after malolactic fermentation.
Perrin produces a number of wines under different labels. They include Château de Beaucastel, Miraval (using grapes grown on property owned by Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt), Domaine du Clos des Tourelles, Famille Perrin–Sélections Parcellaires, Famille Perrin–Les Crus (this bottle is an example), La Vieille Ferme, and La Vieille Ferme Sparkling. They are famed as master blenders, with each of their wines delightfully reflecting terroir. Vinsobres, with its coolness and elevation is particularly suited to bring out finesse in syrah, and this effort reflects that skill and opportunity.
Vinsobres is a village located 25 miles north of Châteauneuf-du-Pape and is the northernmost vineyard of the southern Rhône. The vineyard is one of the highest in the southern Rhône at almost 1,000 feet and is composed of stony and sandy marl on the slopes and stony, quaternary alluviums on the terraces.
From the Famille Perrin website: “It is no coincidence Famille Perrin is the leading organic wine grower of the Southern Rhône Valley where they occupy the regions best terroirs. Their values have given them a worldwide reputation for excellence: absolute respect for the soil, a commitment to manual methods and a deep belief that organic viticulture is the only way to express the true essence of the terroir. Moreover the combination of talents within the family ensures the continuation of their unique expertise. Nature and tradition are key to the Famille Perrin way and this approach has continued seamlessly over five generations.” The Perrins banned all chemical fertilizers and herbicides from their vineyards in 1964.
Famille Perrin Vinsobres Les Cornuds 2018 is fresh, elegant, versatile, juicy. The 60-40 grenache-syrah blend is harmonious and classic southern Rhône mix. Famille Perrin is a classic southern Rhône maker. So much to enjoy in this delicious effort. Drinks like a Châteauneuf-du-Pape—with a bit more body and spice—at a fraction of the price. Wonderful wine experience. Pair with rich beef cuts, especially roasted meats; lamb—lamb chops; braised and roasted chicken; venison and other wild game; comfort food—meatloaf, pot roast, burgers and sliders, barbecue, slow-cooked brisket. Cheese—very versatile; goat and cow’s milk cheeses; pungent cheeses—affidelice, epoisse, pont l’eveque; soft, washed rind—munster, reblochon; gouda; blue cheese. $19-24
