Winemaker Notes
Chateau Malijay Cotes du Rhone is a deep garnet color. There is a deep and delicate nose combining black fruits and spicy notes. Beautiful structure, balanced on the palate, well-rounded.
Professional Ratings
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
A remarkable and authentic wine, the 2022 Château Malijay shows a medium garnet hue with a touch of brick at the rim. It opens with evocative aromas of rustic earth, dried leaves, and a hint of wild spice. On the palate, the wine reveals notes of sun-dried stones, wild herbs, and a firm yet graceful texture. Its savory depth and herbal undertones make it a delicious match with Galbi (Korean grilled short ribs)—marinated in soy, garlic, sesame oil, and pear for a perfect balance of sweetness and char. The smoky caramelization of Galbi complements the wine’s earthy character and lingering finish. (Tasted: November 6, 2025, San Francisco, CA)
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Wine Enthusiast
Charming aromas of black plum and black tea open on the nose followed by red cherry and violet blossom. The palate is juicy and fruit forward, with forthright black fruit that flirts with black raspberry on the finish. Pair with rotisserie chicken, grilled meats and roasted portobello mushroom.
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.