Winemaker Notes
This wine has notes of Kirsch, blackberries, Herbes de Provence and a peppery spice. Medium bodied, supple and beautilly textured. This wine pairs well with grilled meat.
Blend: 80% Grenache, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A blend of Grenache with smaller amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre brought up mostly in concrete tank, the 2017 Côtes Du Rhône is a winner that should be snatched up by readers as it's a beautiful wine that over-delivers. Kirsch, blackberries, garrigue, and flowers incense notes all emerge from this medium-bodied, layered, pure and polished Côtes Du Rhône that displays ripe tannins, beautiful density, and a great finish. Range: 91-93
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James Suckling
A deep and rich feel here with a swathe of ripe forest berries and some herbal nuances, too. The palate has fine-grained texture and a plush, even build. Drink now.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2017 Cotes du Rhone is 70% Grenache, with the balance a mix of Mourvèdre and Syrah. This wine's fruit has darkened considerably since I tasted it as a barrel sample in June 2019, and while retaining some raspberries, it's now more black cherries and chocolate, with attractive herbal tea shadings. Full-bodied but not weighty or overdone, it's silky in feel, ending long and adding hints of licorice on the finish.
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.