PV Tasting Notes
When in early 2007 I first tasted the Grange Philippe Cabernet Franc, I was bowled over by this wine, it was the first ever vintage for this producer and a glorious effort, however I really had not much of an idea how long it would continue to develop or how long it might last being the first ever vintage, nor for that matter how the aromatics will develop, (Cab Franc normally needs 5 years in bottle) so I rated it a conservative 88 points, but I bought half of the crop, 250 cases.
Last night I opened a bottle with dinner, and have to say this is a real beauty. It boasts a dense ruby/purple colour with a sumptuous nose of blueberries, cranberries, blackberries and hints of menthol. This is now a striking wine for the money, creamy and deep in texture, it fills the mouth with flavour as well as intensity, I now realise this gorgeously put together wine will drink well for a decade. 90 points Tasted 18 Nov 2009
Lovers of organically grown Cabernet Francs will undoubtedly enjoy the medium to dark ruby-coloured 2006 Grange Philippe from Château Grès Saint Paul. Its aromas of dark smoky fruits lead to a medium-bodied character made up of plump blackberries, blueberries, and spices. It has lovely depth, soft, ripe tannin, and an appealingly soft finish. Tasted April 2007
Best with Beef of any kind, roasted, grilled or fried steak etc. well hung game and any hard cheese alternatively a new goat’s cheese.
Grange Pilippe is the base range from this producer, year in year out Château Grès Saint Paul produce a succession of great wines of true value, which if tasted blind amongst some of the better known wines of the Rhône selling at four and five times the price they would be in the top selection from virtually every vintage. The two partners of the Château, Jean-Philippe Servière and Philippe Salasc are without doubt two of the finest life loving and generous people one could ever wish to meet, totally committed to producing the finest wines available throughout the Languedoc region. The legion of awards won over the past decade stands as testament both to their artistic skill and their stoic workmanship.
Yields: 50 Hl/Ha
Terroir : surrounded by garrigues, the terroir lies over dry poor soils
Microclimate: Cool
Vinification: - the grapes are destemmed and crushed
- the maceration lasts 2 weeks in stainless steel tank
- extraction by manual punching, delestage and pumping over
- fermentation temperature : 27/28°C
- blending : free run wine+ press wine
Ageing: Maturing in stainless steel tank