Another weekend means another Friday to get things going. This week brings us quite a unique wine, and one that I am happy to say hails from the Rhone Valley in France, which is probably my favourite wine region. The first interesting detail with this wine is that it is put together by some of the Rhone’s top producers, including the likes of Louis Barruol (from Château St. Cosme) and Frederic Chaudière (from Château Pesquié) who collectively go by the name “The Rhone Gangsters”. The second, and quite surprising point of interest is that this wine is a blend of Pinot Noir and Grenache! I didn’t think I’d ever see these two grapes together, especially in a Rhone wine. But there you have it.
The Hold Up no. 6 is light but bright with a good acidic core and smooth tannins. The palate brings forth some really nice sour cherry flavours (probably from the Grenache) and a hint of strawberry (there’s the Pinot). Underneath the fruit are some pretty tones of earth, rocks and flowers. This will go great with lighter meats and cheeses and is also a heck of a lot of fun to drink. This is an exceptional wine, and quite under the radar right now. However, for the price I don’t expect it be on the shelves for very long (it’s worth buying by the case) – at least after you read this review! Just remember to leave some for me.
$27 at Kitsilano Wine Cellars.
Last modified: March 15, 2008
