ABOUT: Domaine Ferraton has been cranking out top quality Syrah grapes in the northern Rhone since 1946. Close family friend and biodynamic wizard Michel Chapoutier joined the Ferraton’s in the late 1990’s and aided their conversion to organics, then to biodynamics. In 2004 Michel took over the entire Ferraton Crozes-Hermitage program and is now at the wheel, keeping the old name however. This may be why the wine hasn’t had massive commercial success. The critics fall all over themselves for this bottle, and they all share a similar head scratch; why isn’t this a bigger deal? We thought the same thing, but are confident it will be a bigger deal in the future, so we’re happy to get it at a low price now. Which we did, grabbing the last four bottles of Calendes 2017. This may be the best deal on the entire site. TASTE: Everyone wrote glowing notes about the 2017 Calendes. The Vinous note is on point so here you go: “Inky ruby. Ripe blackberry, cherry, olive and a subtle floral nuance on the nose. Broad, fleshy and seamless in texture, delivering juicy dark berry and violet pastille flavors complemented by hints of licorice and bitter chocolate. A smoky quality appears on the finish, which lingers with very good persistence and smooth, slow-building tannins. Aged in a 75/25 combination of concrete tanks and three-year-old barrels.” PAIR:Barbecue tofu tacos, black pepper roasted carrots, mushroom stew over mashed potatoes, Pecorino potatoes au gratin, and huevos ranchero with refried beans.
