2009 Andre Brunel - Côtes du Rhône Villages Cuvee Sabrine

The Andre Brunel 2009 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Cuvee Sabrine, which comes from Brunel’s holdings in Tavaillan, is composed of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. It possesses more structure as well as more black and blue fruit characteristics. Blackberry, blueberry, lavender, tobacco leaf and meaty notes are intermixed with the tell-tale kirsch component that comes from ripe Grenache. This offering displays slightly more tannin and definition than the Cuvee Sommelongue, and is a big, hefty Cotes du Rhone-Villages that should drink well for 7-8 years. -- Robert Parker

Quite ripe, delivering dark plum, anise and crushed blackberry fruit notes laced with a graphite spine. A nice grippy edge marks the finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases imported.