The French reds of Eric Solomon

One of the great things about great wine makers is how they produce great wines out of the grapes they grow. Eric Solomon has found these wine makers and the great reds and whites they produce. Domaine de Marcoux makes spectacular wines. Their reds, all blends of typical Chateauneuf-du-Pape grapes all show well, look for their Cotes-du-Rhone 2011, $23; Lorentine 2011, $27 and blockbuster Viellies Vingnes 2011, $180, a wine meant for cellaring.
Domaine de la Janesse produces great Rhone reds that won’t break the bank. Their Cotes-du-Rhone Rose 2012, $16; Terre de Bussiere, 2010, $17, and their Cotes-du-Rhone Reserve 2011, $17 are all great wines at great value price points.
Roger Sabon’s winery has roots back to the early 20th century. Now in the hands of younger family members quality is still the highest level. His introductory wine, Rhone by Roger Sabon 2011, $16 gives the drinker a taste of Rhone reds. More intricate blends, grape selection and aging get more selective with their, Chapelle de Maillac 2011, $23; Les Olivets 2011, $48; Prestige 2011, $80; and Reserve 2011. $55. Le Secret des Sabon 2011, $230 is mostly Grenache, but the winemaker won’t give away the rest of the blend, just get some and store it for the next decade.
While just scratching the surface of Solomon’s French portfolio, all these wines represent great expression of the Southern Rhone. With great producers hand picked by Eric Solomon you can’t go wrong.