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The Livermore Valley, located just southeast of San Francisco, is an ideal area for growing Rhone grape varieties. Yet, it seems to slip under most people’s radars. Well, not ours. Here are some of the fine red Rhone wines that our panel sampled from the region.
Longevity 2009 “Deb.ru.vee” Blend
Grape(s): 48% Syrah, 25% Mouvedre, 20% Grenache, & 7% Petite Sirah
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 35-40
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of black cherries, plums, and blackberries interweave with cocoa and clove on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of blackberry, cherry, and raspberry that meld with hints of vanilla and dark chocolate. A rich, dark wine with plush tannins, fans of smooth red blends will enjoy this bottle. 104 cases produced.
Rating: 90
Dante Robere 2012 Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of cherries, plums, and blackberries coalesce with hints of bacon and spice on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of black cherry, plum, and bramble fruit accented by notes of smoked meat and pepper on the palate. A smooth Syrah with plush tannins, fans of easy-going reds with robust flavors should try this bottle.
Rating: 88
Fenestra 2010 Mourvèdre
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
A bouquet of cherries, plums, vanilla, and pepper rises up from a glass. Flavors of cherry, boysenberry, and plum mingle with suggestions of spice, vanilla, and minerals on the palate. A lighter, vibrant red with smooth tannins, enjoy a bottle with grilled chicken or mild Mexican dishes. 170 cases produced.
Rating: 89
Fenestra 2010 “Infrared” Blend
Grape(s): 43% Grenache, 39% Syrah, & 18% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Aromatics of cherries, strawberries, and raspberries come together with notes of tobacco and vanilla on the nose. The palate offers flavors of cherry, strawberry, and red currant framed by traces of clove, minerals, and white pepper. A fairly light red with bright fruity highlights, it’s a great wine for summer cookouts. Just 83 cases were made.
Rating: 88
Fenestra 2009 Syrah
Grape(s): 94% Syrah, 4% Mourvèdre, & 2% Grenache
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Aromas of bramble fruit and plums meld with notes of game, vanilla, and toasty oak on the nose. A sip delivers flavors of blackberry, plum, and black cherry accented by nuances of pepper, leather, and vanilla. Rich and bold, enjoy a bottle with gourmet sausages now or give it a few years to age in the cellar. 186 cases were made.
Rating: 89
Les Chesnes 2012 Mourvèdre
Grape(s): 100% Mourvèdre
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 30-35
Tasting Notes:
Fragrances of dried cherries, red currants, minerals, and white pepper greet the senses. Notes of raspberry, cherry, and red currant interweave with hints of spice, earth, and cedar on the palate. A lighter wine with plush tannins, fan of easy-going reds with an earthy, spicy character should try this bottle.
Rating: 88
Les Chesnes 2011 Syrah
Grape(s): 100% Syrah
Region: Livermore Valley
Price: 25-30
Tasting Notes:
Notes of cherries and blackberries are accented by gamy and mineral suggestions on the nose. The palate delivers flavors of bramble fruit and black cherry that unfold into traces of dusty earth and spice. A dark Syrah with robust tannins, this wine will pair well with gamier meats like lamb or venison.
Rating: 87
