A Pair of Cotes du Rhone Blanc

I do not recall the last time I drank a Cotes du Rhone blanc so I was game for trying these samplers at MacArthurs.  I would personally pass on the Cote Jardin.  I do recommend the Domaine la Cabotte for it was interesting and seemed to develop with air.  I would give it six months of age.

2009 Cote Jardin, Blanc, Cotes du Rhone
Imported by Robert Kacher Selections.  This wine is a blend of 60% Grenache Blanc, 20% Marsanne, and 20% Roussanne sourced from vines averaging 18 years of age.  Though light in color it is a bit yellower than la Cabotte.  There are light bits of ripe fruit on the nose.  In the mouth there is a linear delivery of fruit, apple flavors, some ripeness with a stoney/steely aftertaste.  This wine is fine, inoffensive but somewhat boring.  Now.  Sampled at MacArthurs.

2009 Domaine la Cabotte, Colline, Blanc, Cotes du Rhone
Imported by Elite Wines Imports. This wine is a blend of 90% Viognier and 10% Grenache.  The fruit is sourced from a 30 hectares of vineyards located in Massif Uchaux.  The wine is fermented in stainless steel and undergoes complete malolactic fermentation.  A rather light stoney straw color.  In the mouth the delicate fruit mixed with stones and subtle ripeness.  The acidity is mild and balanced on top of the tongue.  There is a creamy mouthfeel with floral (honeysuckle?) notes, slightly spiced, and salivating acidity in the finish.  The aftertaste is refreshing.  Now-2014.  Sampled at MacArthurs.