“A lusty Australian blockbuster.” – Robert Parker

Terlato & Chapoutier that is! DOUBLE 92 pointer. And just $20?!

The combo doesn’t get much better. One thinks of Bonnie & Clyde, Curry and Klay, Salt-N-Pepa… okay we’re getting off topic here…

Where were we? Oh, yes, CHAPOUTIER! The maker of those quintessential $150-$500 Northern Rhônes. Plus Terlato! Chimney Rock, Roumier, Rochioli, Il Poggione, a global portfolio of untold riches. When two GOATS collaborate, the results write history. By GOATS we mean the greatest of all time. Their name is etched in the history of wine.

And if you look at where they chose to invest for this brave project, the adorable mountain creature also comes to mind as it’s grown at 2,000 feet above sea level high up on the Pyrenees range. It’s a product of extreme viticulture, and definitely a labor of love.

Wine Spectator has the back story: “Michel Chapoutier is well-versed in the rigors of working steep, Syrah-covered vineyards in the Northern Rhône Valley, which may explain why he was drawn to the similarly vertiginous slopes… in 2000, Domaine Terlato & Chapoutier planted vineyards in the Pyrenees, in western Victoria. On red and yellow soils made up of organic matter such as decayed pine forests, over shale and some quartz, the vineyard has produced a distinctly minerally Shiraz labeled Lieu-Dit Malakoff since 2004.”

And this 2017 is dialed to please the hardest-to-impress palates, be it fans of the Old World or New. It straddles that fine line between the fruity and the earthy seamlessly, with plenty of depth in each of those polar directions. The fullness, richness, tension, and freshness, are all there, climbing to an apex that lasts imposingly long for an Aussie, thanks to its French sensibilities and striking complexity.

So, back to what Robert Parker wrote, “Hopefully my prose has convinced more than a handful of readers to try these remarkable wines from one of the most fascinating and compelling personalities in the entire wine world, and one dedicated to the highest quality.” Echoed by Jeb Dunnuck the Lieu-Dit Malakoff is “impressive and for those that lean towards the more northern Rhône styled wines, well worth seeking out!”

Seeking out? Well, here it is - in all its $20 glory - WHILE IT LASTS.

92 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous

“Inky magenta. Smoke and spice accented black and blue fruit, vanilla and candied violet scents are complemented by suggestions of cola and licorice. Plush blueberry, cassis and fruitcake flavors show very good depth and building florality. The spice and blue fruit notes carry through a long, juicy finish framed by velvety, well-knit tannins. Drink 2023-2030.”

92 Points – Wine Spectator

“Leans into earthy, savory side notes, with chicory, dried sage, porcini, forest floor and strong black tea flavors on a dense, muscular frame. Shows date, dried berry and stewed plum and dried citrus peel details on a long finish. Drink now through 2032.”