Winemaker Notes
The distinctive freshness and saltiness of this Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre blend makes it easy to pair with both rustic and sophisticated dishes. The smooth, red-fruit character of the wines make it a great choice for tomato-based dishes such as ratatouille, while the richness from the Syrah also allow it to pair with lamb, venison or beef.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Lastly, the 2020 Vinsobres Les Côtes has an almost Côte Rôtie-like vibe in its black raspberry, spring flower, game, and tapenade-driven aromas and flavors. Pure, medium to full-bodied, and incredibly elegant on the palate, with polished tannins, it's another remarkable wine from this estate, which needs to be on every reader’s radar.
Rating: 93+ -
Wine Spectator
A smoldering, big-boned, smoky version, with tar, incense and singed alder notes surrounding a core of ripe plum, bitter black cherry and mocha-dusted black plum, with bacon fat details. Shows a lot of tightly coiled power and density knit together by grippy tannins. Needs time and decanting. Syrah, Mourvèdre and Grenache. Best from 2025 through 2035.
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.
One of the more established Rhône villages promoted to its own 'Côtes du Rhône Villages' appellation, Vinsobres produces uniquely styled Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah in its relatively cool and elevated vineyards.