André Brunel “Côtes du Rhône Villages” 2007 Cuvée Sabrine Red Rhone Wine Review

“Some flaws add character — it’s the art of winemaking.”

Yeah, and bad writing makes the New York Times Best Sellers List …

… oh wait … well, actually, I guess it does happen, as is proved with André Brunel “Côtes du Rhône Villages” 2007 Cuvée Sabrine Red Rhone Wine — a 90 point Robert Parker wine, and a 91 point Wine Spectator wine, which smells like a sewer. It’s called H₂S — Hydrogen sulfide — and it’s pretty gnarly. So what gives?

How does a wine with an obvious flaw get a 90 pt rating?

In short, I just don’t know. First, lets talk about H2S: “This colorless, toxic and flammable gas is partially responsible for the foul odor of rotten eggs and flatulence.” – Wikipedia

In wine, it can smell like anything from matchsticks to raw sewage – as is the case with this bottle. It tends to diminish the fruit qualities, specifically on the nose. It is generally undetectable on the palate.

Drop in a penny

Winemakers can add copper to the wine to “pull out” the H2S. If you find it in a bottle at home, you can do the same – just drop in a penny.  It takes away the sewage smell, but unfortunately … it leaves the wine with all that’s left … pretty much nothing.

Notes:

André Brunel “Côtes du Rhône Villages”
- Appellation Cõtes Du Rhône Villages Contrôlée -
Cuvée Sabrine
2007
Red Rhone Wine
75% Grenache with Syrah, and Mourvèdre

Nose: Raw Sewage
Out the Gate: Not very bright fruit up front
7th Inning Stretch: Balanced acidity, diminished fruits.
Finish Line: Soft Tannins, a little hot (High Alcohol)
Locker Room: PLUM. Plum like I’m chewing on a plum skin. Lots and lots of plum.

Robert Parker Rating

2007 Cuvée Sabrine Red Rhone