Winemaker Notes
-Wine Advocate
This "little" gem was made from an intriguing blend of grapes which were all fermented together. With a maceration of 40 days this is an intense, super-concentrated Cotes du Rhone, which has seen no oak at all but is still profoundly complex. Opaque in colour the wine has an exotic perfume of spice, raisins and lilacs. This is followed by a rich, full-bodied wine with layer upon layer of black fruit flavours, silky tannins and a depth that puts this humble Cotes du Rhone way above its status. Delusions of grandeur no doubt but what a wine it is. It will be irresistible when released but age well for 3-6 years.
Professional Ratings
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.
Typically thought of as a baby Chateâuneuf-du-Pape, the term Côtes du Rhône actually doesn’t merely apply to the flatter outskirts of the major southern Rhône appellations, it also includes the fringes of well-respected northern Rhône appellations. White wines can be produced under the appellation name, but very little is actually made.
The region offers some of the best values in France and even some first-rate and age-worthy reds. Red wine varieties include most of the Chateâuneuf-du-Pape varieties like Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, Cinsault, and Counoise, as well as Carignan. White grapes grown include Grenache blanc, Roussanne and Viognier, among others.