Winemaker Notes
Moderately tannic and endowed with a beautiful structure, this Côtes-du-Rhône develops greedy notes of fresh fruit (crushed strawberry, blackberry) on their crunchiness, supported by a hint of licorice.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
A custom blend put together by importer Eric Solomon, the 2018 Côtes Du Rhône Reserve reveals a translucent ruby/purple color as well as classy Provençal notes of black cherries, garrigue, ground pepper, and dried flowers. Medium to full-bodied, elegant, and nicely balanced on the palate, it’s another winner, offering loads of Provençal charm. It’s ideal for enjoying over the coming 3-5 years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A special cuvée for the American importer, Eric Solomon, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Reserve is a blend of 55% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10% Carignan and 5% each Cinsault and Mourvèdre from vineyards adjoining the Sabon's Châteauneuf-du-Pape holdings. With its seductive scents of black cherries and raspberries and a smooth, supple mouthfeel, it offers a lovely, medium to full-bodied introduction to the estate's style.
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.