Noir Grand Année Varietal/Style: Rhône blend (48% Grenache, 32% Mourvèdre, 20% Syrah) Origin: Sierra Foothills Vintage: 1996 Winemaker: William Easton Rating: 13/20 Retail Price: $25.00

Tasting Notes: This Chateauneuf-inspired blend is the top Rhône offering from one of America's original "Rhône Rangers." Slightly angular in style, this highly concentrated red is a good bet for fans of uproariously big wines. The nose hints at a complexity of flavors from dark fruits to curry and spice. We applaud Easton's efforts to bring the Rhône art of blending to the Americas.
(Date tasted: 6/10/00)

Profile: Founded in 1984, Domaine de la Terre Rouge was a pioneer in California-made Rhône varietal wines. Enjoying climate and soil conditions similar to the Rhône Valley, the Amador County-based winery produces small lots of many lesser-known styles, such as Mourvèdre, Viognier and blends of Marsanne, Viognier, Roussanne and Grenache, Mourvèdre and Cinsault. With consistent quality and aggressive marketing, Terre Rouge has been instrumental in revitalizing the Sierra Foothills as a wine destination.

Address:
10801 Dickson Rd.
City: Plymouth, CA
Phone: 209-245-4277
Web site: www.eastonwines.com
E-mail: terouge@volcano.net