Crous St Martin Cotes du Rhone “Les Etriers”
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The grapes for Crous St Martin Côtes du Rhône ‘Les Etriers’ are grown primarily in Courthézon and South of Orange.
- The vineyard is on beautiful terroirs of sand and clays with few pebbles.
- The vines are 30-50 years old.
Varietal Composition: 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah
Elaboration: Hand harvested. Aged 2-5 years in bottle prior to release.
Tasting Notes: Warm garnet robe. Nose of ripe red fruits, which develops towards aromas of cedar. Fine and fleshy tannins, a very nice balance.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
An overnight blockbuster for us immediately upon arrival two vintages back, Crous St Martin is a collaboration between Rhone expert Harry Bosmans and Eric Bonnet of Domaine Bastide Saint Dominique. Harry is a household name amongst quality growers in the Rhone Valley and an invaluable resource thanks to his skill on both the production side and on the sales side. Eric’s family has been growing grapes in the north-east corner of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape appellation for three generations now, with 120 acres of vines in their name. Eric’s father began to make wines at Bastide Saint Dominique in 1980, quickly establishing the property as an elite player in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Eric, now 39 years old, spent his early winemaking years up North in Burgundy, and that influence still shows in the delicate balance he is able to achieve between power and detail.