Today we share a very limited production wine made by one of Washington’s top winemakers. Cote Nicault is a story all about winemaker Gilles Nicault, whose family has a history in agriculture dating back to the 1930s in Africa. Growing up Gilles was exposed to the great wines of the Rhone Valley by his father who was an enophile, particularly enjoying the great wines of Chateauneuf du Pape. Gilles became infatuated with those wines as well and made the decision to study winemaking and viticulture at the acclaimed University of Avignon. Gilles decided to move to the United States and he landed in Walla Walla back in 1994, working for Woodward Canyon. Studying under the guidance of eminent Washington wine icon Rick Small he knew there was unparalleled potential in Washington wine. Washington wine visionary Allen Shoupe hired him as the first and only winemaker for Long Shadows Vintners in 2003, and for many years he has served as Director of Winemaking and Viticulture there, making some of the finest wines that Washington State has to offer.
Côte Nicault is a limited production, Rhone inspired wine that Gilles makes each year. The wine is all about balance between Mourvèdre, Grenache and Syrah having near equal parts of all three. It is a very different wine to the Long Shadows ‘Sequel’ — one with more finesse, subtlety and nuance. I absolutely love the new 2022 Côte Nicault Red Wine (OB, 97) which is arguably the finest rendition of this wine. Get your hands on this as soon as you can, as only about 500 cases of this wine are made. Learn more about these great wine at https://www.cotenicault.com and here is the great new future release by Côte Nicault.
2023 Cote Nicault ‘Full Disclosure’ Grenache- This 100% varietal wine all comes from the WeathereEye vineyard on the top of the ridge. This shows classic yarrow and Provencale herbal character on the nose alongside shades of wild strawberry and fresh sage. The palate is plush and shows amazing volume, with refined tannins. A massive core of red and dark fruits parade wth chocolate dusted mandarin orange zest and herbal accents. Made in two new puncheons with light toast. Drink 2025-2035- 98
2022 Cote Nicault Red Wine- Is sourced from mainly the Red Haven Vineyard on Red Mountain. 38% Mourvèdre with 31% Grenache with the remainder Syrah. Inky in the glass, this shows off smoked brisket and tar notes alongside violets, dark currants and shades of Kalamata olive tapenade. The palate is impeccably balanced with plenty of mid-palate depth and viscosity. Drink 2025-2035- 97