Winemaker Notes
The Côtes-du-Rhône from Clos Saint Antonin comes from the younger vines on the property – between 30-50 years old! This cuvée is always dominated by Grenache (~80%) with Syrah and Mourvèdre making up the remainder of the blend. Originally this cuvée was aged in concrete and foudre but starting in 2018 Isabelle has decided that to achieve as naked an expression of Grenache as possible it is fermented and aged without SO2 it in neutral 600L French oak demi-muids.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the 2018s, the 2018 Côtes du Rhône is another perfumed, elegant, beautifully complex Côtes du Rhône offering a cool-climate-like style in its more raspberry and strawberry fruits as well as white pepper and Provençal garrigue aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, seamless, and beautifully balanced, this is a terrific Côtes du Rhône to enjoy over the coming 3-5 years.
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James Suckling
A new cuvée without sulfites added and 100% grenache. The nose has a very attractive, fresh red-plum and berry feel with red licorice, too. The palate has a silky, supple and soft feel and a very rich and plush core. Fleshy and easy.
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.