Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The flagship wine is the 2015 Cotes du Ventoux Il Etait Une Fois and this cuvee is always Grenache-dominated, with small amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre. Destemmed and aged in foudre, it’s a fresh, elegant example from this vintage that gives up notes of raspberry, black raspberries (even a hint of fresh plum) to go with lots of floral characteristics, medium to full-bodied richness and ripe, polished tannin. It needs 2-3 years of bottle age and will shine over the following decade.
-
Wine Spectator
Fresh and focused, with a beam of cherry, damson plum and raspberry coulis flavors racing along, laced with light violet and anise hints. Reveals a graphite edge through the finish. Drink now through 2020.
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.