“Another QPR All-Star from a solid producer deserving of greater recognition…”
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I might have been tempted to say that we went through a buttload of the 2020 Domaine des Pasquiers Côtes du Rhône this past winter and spring, but for the fact that a “buttload” is an actual unit of measurement, and, somehow, I don’t think we really drank 126 gallons of the stuff. (A tip of the top hat to Shar Douglas for alerting me to this archaic curiosity.)
We did in fact go through numerous bottles of said wine, however, because it was simply delicious. It finally disappeared a few months ago, and then, lo and behold, a new vintage showed up on the shelves of Holiday Market in Royal Oak in the last week or two. For some reason, we never did see a 2021 vintage, but that’s OK, because this 2022 model is a winner.
2022 Domaine des Pasquiers Côtes du Rhône, 14% alc., $13.99: This GSM blend gets things going with pretty aromatics of red and black berries, along with some subtle earth and spice. Full-bodied, but not heavy, it’s more about red and black plums than berries on the palate, with a definite earthiness to the character, and a little tar and pepper in the background. Structured to age and improve for at least a couple of years in the cellar, but already tasty with some air (I gave half a bottle an hour in a decanter before pouring a glass). If it’s not quite as good as that delicious 2020 model, it’s not far off, and it’s very drinker-friendly, with a smooth texture that adds to the appeal as it opens. Find this wine
Domaine des Pasquiers has been in continuous operation since 1935, and is now run by brothers Jean-Claude and Philippe Lambert and their children, Matthieu and Perrine. No varietal information is listed on the labels, but the website cites Black Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre as those grown in the vineyard, so this is likely a combination of the three.
Imported by AHD Vintners, Warren, MI
Another QPR All-Star from a solid producer deserving of greater recognition, so get yourselves a bottle or two of this as soon as you can.
Reporting from Day-twah,
Bastardo
