Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Made from mostly Grenache, with a fair chunk of Syrah and then smaller parts Carignan, Mourvèdre and Cinsault, aged 12 months in foudre, the 2013 Cuvee Reserve Cotes du Rhone is a special blend made by importer Eric Solomon. I always find it a fair click better than the classic Cotes du Rhone from this estate. From a difficult vintage, it still delivers loads of sexy kirsch, black cherries, damp underbrush and earth in a medium-bodied, supple, forward style. It won’t make old bones, but it is a solid purchase for enjoying over the coming couple of 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.
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.