Domaine Pelaquie Cotes du Rhone 2022 CALIOTHER a half-hectare of 1999 bushvines

a half-hectare of 1999 bushvines planted in high-density treinspoor format produces this extraordinary cool-climate Syrah

no fining or filtration—showcases the vineyard's mineral precision and lifted red fruit

and structure than a basic Cotes du Rhone

and quince wrapped in plush

but Manu Michelini -- of the Mendoza winemaking clan -- teamed up with Rioja native Carlos Fernandez in Labastida to farm old vines organically and biodynamically at around 600 meters

Domaine Pelaquie Cotes du Rhone 2022 CALIOTHER a half-hectare of 1999 bushvinesHalf the fruit here could have been sold as Laudun, a Cotes du Rhone cru in its own right Luc Pelaquie declassifies it into the house red instead. That's the estate in one move: a family that has farmed the limestone slopes around Saint Victor la Coste on the Rhone's right bank for centuries, and would rather over deliver quietly than chase a bigger name. The blend is a straight 50 50 of Grenache and Syrah, the Grenache bringing warmth and the Syrah