We had to wait almost two months for a delayed Tour de France to begin and, so far, the racing has been dynamic and extremely exciting!
The tour began in Nice traveling along the Southern border of France and through the Pyrenees mountains. After a rest day, the cyclists began racing to the West heading toward the Alps through the Masif Central mountains, touching the Northern reaches of the Rhone' valley and finishing a lively stage 14 in Lyon.
Lyon is where we find this week's challenge hero, Stanley Groovy, touring around France on his bicycle and waiting for the Tour to arrive. Stanley has been making friends, enjoying the local cycling, food and wine and sharing some Washington wine with his hosts throughout Southern France.
One of Stanley's favorite Washington wines is from The Walls in Walla Walla. Stanley is confident that his favorite can take on any French challenger. This week's challenge will see if Stanley's choice is up to the task.
2015 Gaspard Syrah from Red Mountain vs. 2012 La Chaussynette Vin de France from Mas de Boislauzon.
Tale of the Tape
100% Syrah from the Red Heaven Vineyard on Red Mountain
Provided as a sample by the winery. Available at retail for $48
50% Grenache 50% Syrah
From estate vineyards that spread across Chateauneuf du Pape and Cote du Rhone
Purchased from Full Pull Wines
Round 1. First Opening
The Gaspard Luchador representing The Walls is showing some unorthodox style right out of the gate. This Syrah from Red Mountain is showing atypical notes of cherries, raspberries and dusty earthy undertones. The palate is bolder with dark berries, savory white pepper and menthol with a slightly sweet finish reminiscent of jolly ranchers.
The French challenger from The Rhone is taking a more classic approach to this battle with a savory nose of musky raspberry and earthy cracked pepper. The palate leads with distinct notes of tobacco followed by tart red berries and a jolt of cedar bark tannins on the finish.
These two luchadors are bringing contrasting styles to this bout. The judges are sorting things out and award the first round to the La Chaussynette Luchador from France.
Round 2. One hour after opening
Gaspard continues building on the foundation it laid down in the first round, flying in to the ring off the top ropes. The nose is showing dark red berries, light menthol and coffee bean notes with hints of earthy minerality. The palate follows suit with dark berries, cracked pepper and sweet menthol spices followed by that sweet finish which is beginning to develop some savory notes.
La Chaussynette is taken by surprise! The nose is evolving and showing oily and savory notes of red berries and white pepper. The palate continues with tobacco, tart berries and cedar bark tinged tannins.
Gaspard takes the second round after delivering a devastating body slam to the French Challenger.
Round 3. One day after opening
This is it. Tied 1-1, can the French Luchador unlock Gaspard's unusual style to take the match? Let's find out.
The luchador from Washington is pumping up the volume with a nose that is showing dark sweet berries and baking spices. The palate features dark berries, white pepper, menthol and tart coffee bean that doubles down on the finish.
La Chaussynette appears to be confused and in desperate straights. The nose continues to show notes of dark berries, coffee and light earthy notes. The tobacco notes are fading into the background on the palate with dark berry notes coming to the forefront with hints of tobacco, menthol cherry spices and the ever present cedar bark finish.
Gaspard takes the final round with dashing panache!
Wrap up and overall observations.
The Walls Syrah from Red Mountain was very interesting. This Syrah showed much more fruit character than the typical Red Mountain dark, earthy signature. This wine from Washington was very enjoyable.
The La Chaussynette defies the classification of Vin de France, punching well above its weight classs. It showed the classic Chateauneuf du Pape tobacco character that I associate with Grenache and the wine making style of this classic French region.
Seek both of these wines out. You are sure to enjoy them both!
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