Le Campuget Grenache Viognier was by far one of my favorite wines this year, and a true standout on First Pour Wine.  That being said, when I saw that 2009 côté EST was 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Chardonnay, and 20% Marsanne, I was sold before I’d even hit the cash register.  Does 2009 côté EST deliver the same enjoyable depth as Le Campuget, or is it a blend of a different color? 

Sight: It’s a very lucid sort of deep gold that’s almost as though someone turned up the transparency bar on it.

Smell:  Holy kiwi, melon, papaya, and pineapple Batman!  How about some honey on there too just for good measure.  What a fruit centric nose, with just a bit of floral to it.

Sip:  There’s a distinctly floral honey around the edges of the tongue with this wine but they drop away as it builds to crescendo.  It gets rather acidic, racy even, running through kiwi, orange, guava, and honeydew melon.  There’s also a light green flavor running through the background, almost like fresh herbs. The body is firm and creamy, but there’s almost no buttery notes.   [A.B.V. 13%]

Savor:  The acidity and melon-kiwi flavors linger after, sprinkled with fresh herbs.  They dissipate rather quickly.

Overall, 2009 côté EST is a rather unique offering, skewing into the realm of herbal tropical fruits.  A sauvignon blanc lover might be right at home in this tropical fruit wonderland.  This wine is more green and fruit than sweet, but there is a bit of sweetness, less than Le Campuget, but nothing to sneeze at.  This wine is a must try at the price.

Verdict:  Est le fantastique
Price:  $10.99
Blend: 50% Grenache Blanc, 30% Chardonnay, 20% Marsanne
Jean Marc LaFage
Vin De Pays Des Côtés Catalanes, France
http://www.domaine-lafage.com