We had a chance last week to spend a couple of nights with Thomas and Caroline, the lovely new owners at Domaine Rouge-Bleu ("DRB," not to be confused with "DRC"!). All of us were extremely impressed by the warm hospitality, and the beautiful wines. Most of the domaine's vineyards were planted in 1955, meaning the plants are able to fully ripen the stems which are thus included in the fermentation - imparting structure, complexity, and cellar-ability. We love the packaging update on the 2011 Mistral (and the wine is absolutely gorgeous!).
Thomas, and his wife Caroline, have taken over principle ownership and management of DRB. Here Thomas walks through their lovely, stony syrah vineyard.
Another DRB vineyard shot
The Lunatique parcel - gnarly 100 year old bastards!! They loose a few plants every year...Lunatique will be even more scarce!
The barrel room conveniently houses a bed...perfect for putting up tired pickers, or in this case, letting a few bottles of 2010 Mistral repose peacefully with a corkscrew.
A glorious view of the Dentelles de Montmirail range: pure limestone bedrock that was forced straight up 90º by two tectonic plates crashing into one another, now standing watch over Gigondas, Vacqueyras, plus more distant appellations of the southern Rhone Valley. The picnic table at DRB is just the place to enjoy the view, with a glass of delicious Rouge-Bleu rosé in hand and maybe some ratatouille, why not?
Thomas finished a day of plowing, parked the tractor, took a shower, and was still so covered in dust and dirt that he could raise a cloud by smacking his leg with a hand. Might have to lather, rinse, and repeat next time!
A close up view of the family tractor's bumper sticker. I love it!
Family meal at DRB with our little group included skewers of beef and sausages done on the grill, potato salad, and couscous. I feel like Thomas and Caroline must have been pretty lonesome for us when we left. Not for long however: they are expecting their own little bundle of joy in June/July!!
