Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A juicy, pulpy and fruity red, showing plums, currants, herbs and baking spices. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins and texture. Crunchy berry character and more dark cherries to the peppery lift. The flavorful finish has excellent length.
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Vinous
Vinified with 100% whole clusters, the 2022 Côtes-du-Rhône Les Deux Albion blends 40% Syrah with 30% Grenache and the remainder equally split between Mourvèdre, Carignan and Clairette. Swirling the glass unlocks intense spice-box, ripe black fruits and peppery elements. Full-bodied, concentrated and well structured through ripe tannins, the 2022 is an impressive red Côtes-du-Rhône.
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.