Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
In addition to the Chateauneuf du Papes, Thierry makes a bevy of terrific Cotes du Rhones. The 2015 Cotes du Rhone A Seraphin comes mostly from sandy soils and is 55% Grenache, 35% Syrah and the rest permitted varieties. It’s aged in foudre and stainless steel, and has classic notes of peppery herbs, tapenade, tobacco leaf and darker fruits in its medium plus bodied, nicely concentrated and textured style. It has outstanding potential and should evolve nicely.
Range: 88-90
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.