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We’ve been fans of the Perrin family’s La Vieille Ferme line for some years now; their reds, whites and rosés offer consistent quality vintage after vintage, and the prices are hard to beat. We finally took the opportunity to try the 2008 rouge a few days ago and really liked what we found in the bottle. Perhaps ironically, our impressions of the blanc and and rosé seem to have flip-flopped slightly since our last report on them almost a year ago. Both are still drinking quite well, but the white seems to have filled out a bit, while the pinks seems to have toned down some.

2008 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rouge, Grenache 50%, Syrah 20%, Carignan 15%, Cinsault 15%, 13.5% alc.:, $7.99: Clean dark color, with some pretty, if a bit shy, red plum and berry on the nose; flavors echo and expand nicely, being round, moderately ripe and not nearly as earthy and bone dry as the ’07. Medium-full bodied, with enough structure to stand up to grilled red meats and hearty stews, but I wouldn’t put this in the cellar for long at all; it’s a drink-me-now kind o’ wine. Kim really likes this and I do too, for its unassuming charm and immediate appeal, and it’s a great QPR at this price. Find this wine

2008 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rosé, Cinsault 50%, Grenache 40%, Syrah 10%, 13% alc., $7.99: Strawberry pink, with mineral and under-ripe strawberry and watermelon flavors and aromas; medium to medium-full bodied, with ample acids to do the kinds of things its supposed to with the usual culinary suspects. Correct and serviceable, and if I’d like it to be a little more expressive, I can’t complain about what’s here for the price. Find this wine

2008 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Luberon Blanc, Grenache Blanc 30%, Bourboulenc 30%, Ugni Blanc 30%, Roussanne 10%, 13% alc., $7.99: Clean medium color, with pleasant flavors and aromas of white tree fruit, mineral and a touch of that distinctive lanolin found so often in southern Rhône whites; medium-full bodied, with good acids and density, and quite food friendly. We enjoyed it with grilled salmon with a dash of smoke and it worked quite well. What more can you ask for at $7.99, especially with a case discount on top of that?! Find this wine

Imported by Vineyard Brands, Inc., Birmingham, AL

Reporting from Day-twah,

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Related posts:

1. Red Wings & Red Rhônes: 2007 La Vieille Ferme Côtes du Ventoux Rouge
2. Red Wings and Red Rhônes: 2002 Delas Crozes-Hermitage Les Launes