Winemaker Notes
The nose is of pepper, anise, leather and dark berries, with just a hint of the wild herbs (thyme, rosemary and savory) which grow abundantly around the vineyards. On the palate, the tannins are firm but ripe and well integrated (no stems here) into the massive fruit that this wine exhibits. Full-bodied, but with finesse and focus, drink this with pastas, grilled lamb, hearty stews and just about anything else that screams for a big, bold red wine that has plenty of finesse.
Blend: 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 10% Carignan & Mourvèdre
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Hints of animal, earth and tar give a distinctive, savory impression to this juicy red, filled in with black plum, peppery spice and salty mineral undertones. Silky-smooth in feel, with singed anise on the smoky finish. Impressive. Drink now through 2028.
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.
A cooler region precisely between Ventoux and Coteaux d’Aix-en-Provence, Cotes du Luberon is a source of full-bodied rosés and crisp, herb-driven reds and whites.