Winemaker Notes
This wine offers bursts of red fruits on the nose and palate. It matches elegance with strength, and the result is a complex wine that over-delivers for the price. Aromas of blackcurrant, and blueberry extend to harmonious tannins in a tasty combination of fruit and structure. The wine's complexity and character are apparent, from first sip to last.
Blend: 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 10% Cinsault
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Lots of strawberries, cherries, mocha and sweet spices. Medium- to- full-bodied with velvety tannins. Round, layered and creamy with plenty of berry and chocolate character on the palate and a vivid, fruity finish.
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Wine Spectator
There's a smoldering edge to this supple, solid red, with black tea, mocha and iron bolts backing up a core of plum. Smoky incense wafts through as the tannins pick up steam, holding real grip at the end. Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. Drink now. 3,000 cases made, 194 cases imported.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.