2009 Chateau Pesquie Terrasses

Rhone, France

Chateau Pesquie Terrasses is a gorgeous blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah from the Cotes du Ventoux region east of Avignon. The Grenache comes from 60-year-old vines and the Syrah from 30-year-old vines. This red wine gem is from the southern Rhone valley, one of the most beautiful wine regions of the world with its picturesque villages dotting a landscape of rolling hillside vineyards. Paul and Edith Chaudiere chose the name Terrasses in homage to their ancestors who carved terraces into carefully chosen vineyard sites. A perennial favorite of Robert Parker, Pesquie Terrasses has scored 90 points or higher in 8 of 10 vintages rated since 1998. This newly released 2009 scored 90 points! The history of Chateau Pesquie is a story about a family passionate about wine in the Ventoux region over three generations. The winery is now run by Alexandre and Frederic Chaudiere. I enjoyed a visit to the chateau nearly a decade ago when my family rented a vacation home in the tiny village of Mormoiron--just one kilometer from the Pesquie estate!

Chateau Pesquie Terrasses is dark ruby red in color with an intense nose of blackberries, raspberries, black cherries, licorice and garrigue. Full-bodied with firm tannins, the wine is fresh and elegant on the palate. 35% of the vintage was aged for 12 months in oak barrels. Well balanced to enjoy over the next 5-6 years, it is rich and lingering on the finish.

Enjoy Chateau Pesquie Terrasses with lamb chops, daube Provencal, burgers and grilled vegetables.