Winemaker Notes
Dense purple color with spices, eucalyptus, and leather on the nose. Soft and elegant notes of garrigue and eucalyptus on the palate with a long finish. Pairs well with stuffed poultry, wild boar stew, and soft cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Also superb, the 2011 Cotes du Ventoux La Quintessence comes from terraced hillside vineyards located in the northern part of the appellation. Made from 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, and aged for 12 months in 50% new French oak, it sports a perfumed, spice-driven profile with raspberry ganache, red licorice, wild herbs and pepper-like qualities all emerging from the glass. Balanced, fresh and elegant, with medium to full-bodied richness, knockout texture and chewy tannin, it should shine for 5-7 years.
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.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.