News
2014 has once again seen success for Boutinot Rhone 'Fide et Arte' wines at the ‘Romancing the Rhône Shootout, organized by California based ‘Affairs of the Vine’.
Five wines in the range were awarded a Gold medal, topping last years tally of a Double gold, Gold and Silver medal.
Once again the red wines in the range faired exceptionally well with 'Les Coteaux Schisteux', Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret 2011 and 'Les Coteaux', Côtes du Rhône Villages 2011' achieving Gold together with the newly revived style of Cairanne 'Les Six', Côtes du Rhône Villages, Cairanne 2011, blended from ancient Rhône varieties, also receivin a Gold medal.
Both the white and rosé in the range, entered for the first time, were also awarded Gold medals.
Commenting on the five winning wines from the Boutinot 'Fide et Arte' range judges said:-
'Les Coteaux Schisteux', Séguret, Cȏtes du Rhône Villages 2011 – Gold Medal
"Big and bold color. Rich cooked fruit aromas. Savory fruit with luscious spice. Beautiful layers of dark cherry and anise. Lovely acid on the long finish. 90"
"Profound nose of cassis, liqueur, berries, cherries, meat, cola, and licorice. Interesting European-style flavors of this wine with minerals and meat enhancing the fruit and yet it is very fruit forward. Mouth filling! Alive, dense and chewy. 90"
'Les Coteaux', Cȏtes du Rhône Villages 2011 - Gold Medal
"Earthy nose then raspberry, black cherry and rhubarb notes with a touch of black licorice. The aromas replicate on entry. The tannins are refined. Balanced. Dark berry underlying the spice and fruit. Intensely built...meaty! 90"
'Les Six', Cȏtes du Rhône Villages Cairanne 2011 - Gold Medal
"Rich fruit forward bouquet...strawberry jam, toast, chocolate covered black cherries, and white pepper with hints of vanilla and coffee. The nose carries through onto the lovely palate. Nice acidity and refined tannins. 91"
"Aromas of wild strawberries, violets, plums, blackberries, white spices, and a smoky note. Full bodied entry of plum and berries with vanilla on the mid-palate. Concentrated flavors fruit are enhanced by licorice back notes. Big flavorful finish. 91"
'La Fleur Solitaire', Cȏtes du Rhône Blanc 2013 - Gold Medal
"Bright fresh lemon and floral notes in the glass. Bosc pear and Comice pear accented by tart lemon in the mouth. Very well balanced. Lovely! 91"
'Les Cerisiers', Cȏtes du Rhône Rosé 2013 - Gold Medal
"Lively palate with soft red fruit complemented by floral and spice notes. Tea and spice on the delightful finish. 91"
"This rose is bigger and bolder than it appears, and that's a good thing! Tangy and delightful finish. 88"
Now in its 3rd year the Rhône Shootout, organised by Barbara Drady, is a comprehensive tasting of Rhône style wines judged by a panel of wine professionals from the retail, restaurant and wine trade, wine makers and writers and educated consumers.
Wines are tasted completely blind without reference to appellation, vintage or price. Judging takes place over a three month period and, to avoid 'palate fatigue', each judge was limited to tasting only 32 wines per day.