Indy International Wine Competition
—
7/1/2004
Score:
Gold Medal
Wine Spectator
—
8/31/2012
Score:
91
Dark and fleshy, delivering ganache, black tea and mulled plum fruit backed by slightly chewy licorice and blackberry confiture notes on the long, muscular finish. There is lots of stuffing here, so this will need a little time to stretch out. Drink now through 2014. 550 cases made. –JM
Wine Spectator
—
4/30/2009
Score:
90
Rich and plump, offering a juicy core of black Mission fig, plum and currant fruit, layered with roasted vanilla bean and melted licorice notes. The finish is plush and rounded. Drink now through 2014. 10,000 cases made.
Wine Spectator
—
4/30/2009
Score:
90 pts
Rich and plump, offering a juicy core of black Mission fig, plum and currant fruit, layered with roasted vanilla bean and melted licorice notes. The finish is plush and rounded. Drink now through 2014. 10,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Enthusiast
—
12/31/2004
Score:
Top 100 Values of 2004 - 87 Points
A relatively large-scaled gutsy Cotes-du-Rhone, with modest animal and sweaty leather notes balanced by ample dried fruits and spices. Displays good length, echoing with peppery notes and fresh berries.
Twin Cities Food & Wine Festival
—
2/25/2005
Score:
Best of Show - Best Imported Red
Wine News
—
10/1/2008
Score:
90 Points
Dense crimson hue. Enticing scents of boysenberry and blackberry. Jammy flavors of blackberry and plum. Velvety tannins and hints of raisin in the close.
Gismondi Rewiews
—
5/1/2011
Score:
90
Wine & Spirits
—
10/1/2005
Score:
90 Points
Tannic, dense and chewy, this Gigondas requires time in the glass for the flavors to emerge. Then it impresses with a richness that recalls chocolate-covered cherries, still restrained by savory, mineral-laden tannins and a whiff of white pepper. The flavors last, boding well for a long future ahead, or a delicious dinner with a beef roast.
Wine Enthusiast
—
11/15/2005
Score:
90 Points - Editor's Choice
This ripe, low-acid wine illustrates the nature of the 2003 vintage. Brandied cherries, cinnamon and clove come together in a flavor package reminiscent of fruit cake or spice cake. It's mouthfillilng and round, held together by some dusty, leathery tannins that should smooth out nicely in another year or two.
Wine Spectator
—
11/15/2012
Score:
90
This is a dark, succulent profile, with lots of mixed berry, plum sauce and fig paste notes laced with licorice root and ganache, all carried by well-imbedded acidity. Shows nice grip and purity through the finish. Best from 2013 through 2020.
Wine Enthusiast
—
2/1/2013
Score:
89
Remember when all Châteauneufs were priced like this? Now this is entry-level pricing, yet the wine is very good, delivering a complex, harmonious blend of leather, earth, spice and plum notes. It’s soft enough to drink now and over the next few years.
The Rhone Report
—
9/1/2011
Score:
89
Aged all in stainless steel and a blend of Grenache and Syrah, the 2010 Louis Bernard Gigondas is a solid looking Gigondas. Displaying upfront and exuberant aromas of red and black fruits, violets, flowers, and dusty spice, this medium to full-bodied, supple Gigondas packs loads of fruit, has plenty of texture, and just enough tannin to give the finish a focused, crisp feel. It should drink beautifully on release, and last for 5-8 years.
Wine Spectator
—
1/1/2012
Score:
89
Very racy, with taut red licorice and red currant fruit notes coursing along, pushed by spice, violet and iron notes on the back end. Not big, but fresh and lively. Drink now through 2014.
Wine Spectator
—
7/31/2012
Score:
88
On the softer side, with lightly mulled plum and cheery flavors woven with notes of toasted spice and fruit-cake. Features a perfumy hint on the open-knit finish. Drink now through 2015. 10,000 cases made.
Wine Spectator
—
9/1/2011
Score:
88
This delivers a solid, direct beam of cassis, plum skin and black currant fruit notes, with a lacing of anise and raisin through the medium-weight finish. Drink now through 2014. 10,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Spectator
—
9/30/2005
Score:
88 Points
Solid core of black currant and blackberry fruit, along with mineral and tar flavors. A bit rigid on the finish, but this should flesh out in the short-term.
Wine Spectator
—
7/30/2004
Score:
88 - Best Buy
Solid plum and brier flavors, with blackberry, chocolate and bacony toast as well. Fruit gives another juicy appearance on the finish. Very solid.
Wine Spectator
—
12/31/2004
Score:
Best Red Wine Values of 2004 - 88 Points
Best Red Wine Values
From Around the World: "Solid plum and brier flavors, with blackberry, chocolate and bacony toast as well. Fruit gives another juicy appearance on
the finish. Very solid."
The Rhone Report
—
3/1/2012
Score:
88
An excellent, fresh white that also displays notable richness and balance, the 2010 Louis Bernard Château Noël Saint-Laurent Côtes du Rhône Blanc (Viognier, Grenache Blanc, Bourboulenc, and Marsanne) delivers loads of peach, stone fruits, honeysuckle, and white flowers to go with a medium-bodied, rounded mouth feel, juicy acidity and good length on the finish. Absolutely worth the price of admission, this borderlineoutstanding white should be enjoyed over the coming 1-2 years.
Wine Spectator
—
10/31/2012
Score:
88
This juicy white offers sweetened butter, chamomile and melon notes, with a hint of crème fraîche chiming in on the finish. Drink now. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. 3,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Spectator
—
8/31/2011
Score:
88
Fleshy and direct, with a toasty frame to the crushed blackberry, plum sauce and dark cocoa notes. Drink now. 6,700 cases made.
Wine Enthusiast
—
12/30/2009
Score:
Best Buy - 88 pts
Spice, leather and meat notes are all layered over a base of black cherries in this supple, medium-bodied offering made from organically grown grapes.
Wine Enthusiast
—
7/1/2012
Score:
88
This attractively priced Gigondas is a solid example, boasting traditional notes of leather and spiced meat. It's supple and slifhtly warm, with modest cherry fruit coated with a dusting of dry red earth. Clove and mettalic notes on the finish suggest early consumption is the prudent option.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
—
1/1/2013
Score:
88
Opaque purple. Very primary on the nose and palate, offering jammy dark berry flavors and a strong component of peppery spices. Fleshy, nicely focused wine with good closing cut and lingering spiciness. This estate is owned by the Louis Bernard firm.
2008 International Green Wine Competition
—
5/5/2008
Score:
Silver Medal
International Wine Challenge
—
10/10/2005
Score:
Seal of Approval
Decanter
—
5/1/2006
Score:
Silver Medal
Indiana State Fair
—
8/2/2006
Score:
Silver Medal
Wine Enthusiast
—
12/31/2005
Score:
87 Points
A dark-hued wine, with bramble fruits, dry tannins and some stalky fruits. But, as befits a 2003, there is also sweet fruit, solid flesh and a layer of acidity to balance. Well-made and enjoyable, with a potential to age for 5+ years.
Decanter
—
10/1/2006
Score:
Commended
Ripe black fruit with a touch of orange zest.
Wine Spectator
—
6/21/2005
Score:
87 Points - Best Value
Ripe and very fresh, with a pure beam of raspberry and black cherry followed by suave toast. Shows the purity and balance of the vintage.
nataliemaclean.com
—
7/7/2005
Score:
87 Points
Lovely aromas of cedar and cherries in this red wine. Perfect for stews and hearty meat dishes.
nataliemaclean.com
—
12/17/2004
Score:
87 Points
Classic cedar and cherries. Perfect for stews and hearty meat dishes.
Wine Enthusiast
—
3/1/2004
Score:
87 Points
A relatively large-scaled gutsy Cotes-du-Rhone, with modest animal and sweaty leather notes balanced by ample dried fruits and spices. Displays good length, echoing with peppery notes and fresh berries.
Wine Match
—
2/18/2011
Score:
Very Good
Cherry and strawberry pie like fruit on the tongue with excellent balance and a lovely savory finish.
Wine Spectator
—
9/30/2012
Score:
87
Light but focused, with fine-grained structure guiding the red and black cherry, black licorice and lavender notes. Good length. Drink now. 6,700 cases made.
Indiana State Fair
—
8/2/2006
Score:
Silver Medal
Wine Spectator
—
11/30/2001
Score:
87
Clean and elegant, with real ripe fruit character. A bit rustic, but it delivers pure berry fruit and mineral complexity. Medium-bodied, with a long finish. Drink now through 2003. 2,915 cases made.
The Rhone Report
—
3/1/2012
Score:
87
Also well done and a fair value, the 2010 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône Domaine Le Garrigon, a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Carignan, shows loads of red and black fruits, leaf tobacco, damp earth, and pepper, to go with a medium-bodied, supple, lightly textured palate. There’s not much depth here, but it’s very well balanced, improves in the glass, and excels for its approachable, easy drinking character. It should be enjoyed over the coming 2-3 years.
Wine & Spirits Magazine
—
6/1/2009
Score:
87 pts
A light, frisky picnic red, this organically farmed red is refreshing in its tart, herbal fruit. The savory, smoked meat notes suggest pairing it with speck sandwiches.
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
—
1/10/2011
Score:
87
Deep violet color. Sexy aromas of blackberry liqueur, cherry compote, potpourri and a hint of white pepper. Offers sweet, open-knit dark fruit flavors and a velvety texture, enhanced by slow-building smokiness and a touch of bitter cherry. Gentle tannins add focus to the juicy, appealingly sweet finish. This wine will be drinkable on release.
Wine Spectator
—
7/31/2004
Score:
86
Darkly colored with abundant licorice, bacon, plum and coffee aromas and flavors. Rich and smoky, with lots of toast covering the finish. A bit heavy handed in style, but solid.
Wine Spectator
—
7/31/2004
Score:
86 - BEST VALUE
Bright plum and boysenberry fruit here, with spice and hints of chocolate and minerals. A touch rigid on the finish, but well done.
Wine Spectator
—
9/30/2005
Score:
86
Nice black cherry and currant fruit is augmented by sage, mineral and toast notes. Muscular, smoky finish.
Wine Spectator
—
9/30/2005
Score:
86
Nice black cherry and currant fruit is augmented by sage, mineral and toast notes. Muscular, smoky finish.
Wine Spectator
—
10/31/2007
Score:
86 Points
Top Value for $20 or Less: Forward and juicy, with lots of dark plum and blackberry notes, framed by toast and mineral hints. A solid introduction to the appellation.
Wine Spectator
—
10/5/2007
Score:
86 Points
Forward and juicy, with lots of dark plum and blackberry notes, framed by toast and mineral hints. A solid introduction to the appellation. Drink now.
Wine Spectator
—
10/31/2007
Score:
86 Points
Supple, with red currant, floral and toast notes guided by gentle structure to perfumed finish.
Wine Spectator
—
11/1/2011
Score:
Light and breezy, with modest plum, red currant and lavender notes that pick up a pepper hint on the finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Enthusiast
—
3/1/2004
Score:
86
This is a big, dense wine, and full-bodied. It spares few punches, but delivers hugely on solid, dense, black fruits. It will be ready to drink in the three to four years.
San Francisco International Wine Competition
—
9/1/2007
Score:
Wine Match
—
2/18/2011
Score:
Good +
Smooth berry fruit on the tongue, fresh and balanced with a nice touch of spice on the finish.
Wine Spectator
—
7/30/2004
Score:
85
Good, forward raspberry fruit and garrigue notes with a hint of game on the finish.
Wine Spectator
—
8/31/2005
Score:
85 Points
Easygoing red and blackberry fruit flavors, with toast and briar hints. A juicy finish opens nicely in the glass.
San Francisco International Wine Competition
—
9/1/2007
Score:
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
—
1/1/2012
Score:
85
Opaque purple. Jammy dark fruits on the nose and palate, with a floral nuance adding complexity. A fresh, juicy midweight that shows good energy but lacks a bit of concentration. The dark fruit note repeats on the clean, focused finish.
Wine & Spirits Magazine
—
6/1/2009
Score:
Good Value
Sage, mint and thyme cut the thick texture of this wine-a broad, simple backdrop for grilled fish.
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
—
2/1/2006
Score:
Bronze Medal
Indiana State Fair
—
8/2/2006
Score:
Bronze Medal
Indiana State Fair
—
8/2/2006
Score:
Bronze Medal
Dallas Morning News Wine Competition
—
3/25/2005
Score:
Bronze Medal
San Antonio Express News Wine Festival
—
3/12/2005
Score:
Bronze Medal
Wine & Spirits
—
10/1/2003
Score:
84 Points
For those who like funk, this offers a dark, figgy fruit with plenty of spice, earth and a camphor-like note. It's rustic, the sort of red you'd want with blood sausage or gamy game.
Tucson Citizen
—
1/14/2004
Score:
Wine of the week
This is a delightful and affordable alternative for lovers of Rhone wines.
Sheri’s Top Picks!
—
5/1/2010
Score:
Sheri Sauter Morano MW says, “The Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône is a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah and the ripe sweet cherry fruit of Grenache is fully evident on this wine. Perfect for a party wine or for serving with a plate of grilled sausages, peppers and mushrooms, the Louis Bernard is a nice example of some of the reliable easy-drinking reds made in the Rhone Valley today.”
Wine Spectator
—
4/30/2009
Score:
87
A soft, juicy, friendly style, with dark plum, toast and cocoa notes, followed by a fleshy, easygoing finish. Drink now. 80,000 cases made. –JM
Wine & Spirits
—
2/1/2009
Score:
86
A light Châteauneuf with peppery red cherry flavor, this is an easy match for meatloaf.
Wine Spectator
—
4/30/2009
Score:
87
Fresh and forward, with solid plum and black currant fruit mingling with hints of garrigue and warm stone. Tasty. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Spectator
—
4/30/2009
Score:
88 BEST VALUES
Ripe and forward, with a solid core of dark plum and blackberry fruit laced with sweet toast and spice notes. Stays fresh and racy through the finish. Drink now. 150,000 cases made. –JM
Wine Spectator
—
4/30/2009
Score:
89
Racy and fresh, with a streak of sandalwood running through the perfumed black cherry, plum and garrigue notes. There's nice minerally drive on the finish. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases made. –JM
Stephen Tanzer's International Wine Cellar
—
Score:
88-90
Bright red. Vibrant strawberry and raspberry on the nose, with an exotic blood orange quality adding more verve.
Tangy red fruit flavors are sharply defined and quite brisk, with fine-grained tannins adding structure to the finish.
There's something seductively pinot-like about this.
