Rayas for less than $40? - Domaine Saladin Is A Similar Style and a Must try for Rhone Lovers

Most Southern Rhone grenache is some combination of over-oaked, alcoholic, stewyand boring (yes, I
know, "tell me how you really feel").   We all know from Chateau Rayas that you can make wonderful Grenache wines that are Burgundian in style (balanced, pure and aromatic).  I've tasted a ton of nasty grenache in search of something with a similar profile to Rayas, and have only found two in my career. I'm offering one today.

I'm pleased to offer the 2010 Domaine Saladin VDF "Haut Brissan, which can be had for as little as $34.99 on the 3-pack. The 2012 is spicey and fresh with one of the best lingering/persistent finishes on a wine I have offered. It is endlessly persistent, which is a bit redundant but this wine can do that to a person. The finesse is top shelf and reaches a level that I have only had in very few pure Grenaches. There is structure that suggests a 15 year aging window and beautiful ripe tannins that fill the mouth. Very soft but present tannins. The mineral spine is ever-present along with wonderful density. In short, this a profound wine, that you do not want to miss and simply the best Grenache I have tasted at Fass Selections.

The Saladin is VDF, as opposed to Cotes du Rhone, because the French do not allow CDRs to be made with 100% Grenache.  The Haut Brissan is made with 100% Grenache and sees zero wood.  It is small production at only 6,000 bottles (500 cases) so put your orders in on the quicker side.  They have been certified organic for decades now. This is all raised in tank and only a minimal amount of sulphur is used. Grapes are harvested by hand and then it undergoes a semi-carbonic maceration with indigenous yeasts. The soils are small pebbles, similar to Chateauneuf and the vines are very old (50+ years) and gnarled. The plot is surrounded by what the French call 'clapas" which are mounds of stones running in an east to west direction which have been gradually constructed by farmers over many centuries. There are also big oak and chestnut trees as well.

While most Grenache-based wines these days are big and brawny, this is NOT a big wine, but a wine of finesse and elegance and profound site character. The mouth-filling quality is there as evidenced by the yields which are 30hl/ha. It is a concentrated wine, but not freakishly so at all, but it fills the mouth in the most pleasant way possible.

It is a stunning wine to taste and one of the best Southern Rhone wines for my palate.

2010 Domaine Saladin VDF "Haut Brissan"  (100% Grenache CDRV) $37.99 ($139.96 4-pack)