Winemaker Notes
Born under an Osage orange tree, the Cuvée Maclura Côtes du Rhône calls for the greediness of the fruit revealing a blend of spices with delicate tannins. Designed with respect for the traditions of the south, this cuvée is like your grandmothers’ cuisine : generous and full of life.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
I loved the 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Cuvée Maclura, which would be one heck of a great house red. Spicy red and black fruits, peppery garrigue, leather, and herbes de Provence all give way to a medium-bodied, supple, nicely textured, savory, focused red that’s absolutely loaded with character.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Still in tank last summer, the 2022 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Maclura boasts charming layers of blueberries, raspberries and black cherries. A blend of approximately 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% each Cinsault and Mourvèdre, it's full-bodied and nicely concentrated, with a taut feel on the palate and a long, dusty finish.
Barrel Sample: 90-92
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.