Rhône's Sexiest Whites, Rosés, And Reds

Definition: Rhôngasm (noun) — what you feel when you drink an amazing Rhône wine.

Sébastien Gavillet grew up as the son of a professional coffee taster, so like it or not, as a child, he became a professional taster himself. It's no surprise, therefore, that Sébastien helped to develop the market for Le Nez du Vin, the world's leading aroma/tasting product line.

One day, the desire to make his own wine hit. So Sébastien partnered up with Luc Baudet and Kelly McAuliffe and created Rhôngasm wine, with the goal of "changing the drinking experience of Rhône wines."

No surprise, Sébastien has hit the pulse of something major once again — what he would go so far as to call a "Rhôngasm revolution," as the brand's name would suggest. And the market already seems to be responding with baited breath (ah-hem).

As of August 2012, you'll be able to find the Rhôngasm wines at many of Las Vegas' most iconic restaurants, such as Olives, Sensei, Bottero, La Cave at Wynn, and more... mostly as wines by the glass priced from $8 to $12. Sexy, fun, delicious, and reasonably priced.

You can join the Rhôngasm "revolution" on Facebook at www.facebook.com/rhongasm or follow on Twitter @rhongasm.

Rhôngasm "Revelation" 2011 (Costières de Nîmes, Rhône Valley, France, $13) This blend of grenache blanc and roussanne is aged in 3-year-old barrels once used by Chateau d'Yquem. Round, even fleshy on the palate, the flavors are reminiscent of white peaches, apricots, and grapefruit rind. There's enough acidity here to make this a great food wine.

Rhôngasm "Flirtation" Rosé 2011 (Costières de Nîmes, Rhône Valley, France, $13) This blend of cinsault, syrah, and mourvèdre is the perfect pool-party wine. Light-bodied and low in alcohol, with wild strawberry notes throughout, it's the definition of a gulping wine. Our sources tell us that it will even be available in magnums at the pool at the Wynn. Talk about a perfect afternoon.

Rhôngasm "Contemplation" 2010 (Costières de Nîmes, Rhône Valley, France, $17) This "GSM" blend (grenache, syrah, mourvèdre) is round, supple, and fruit-driven, with hints of baking spice. The tannins are chewy but approachable.