Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Bottled in March, the 2017 Côtes Du Rhône Terre d'Argile is one-third each of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre brought up in wood tanks for the Grenache and the Syrah and Mourvèdre in barrels. Blackcurrants, blackberries, scorched earth, chocolate, and peppery herb notes all flow to a rich, medium to full-bodied, textured, and concentrated, and layered Côtes Du Rhône that's going to keep for a decade.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Equal parts Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Villages Terre d'Argile combines notes of black olives and blackberries on the nose. It's full-bodied, with a dusty, earthy underpinning and a long, creamy-supple finish. Drink it over the next few years.
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Wine Spectator
Ripe and inviting, with layers of warm plum and cherry preserves gliding through, underscored by anise and black tea notes. The silky, refined finish moves with grace, letting the fruit play out.
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.
An appellation full of some of the most delightful and particularly charming reds, Côtes du Rhône Villages includes the best villages of the greater Côtes du Rhône appellation. The possibility for an appellation promotion exists for every named village but each has to achieve and prove superior quality before an upgrade will be granted. The main ones today are Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Beaumes-de-Venise, Vinsobres, Rasteau and Cairanne.
The Gigondas appellation, while sometimes producing wines with a touch of rusticity, can often rival Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Its elevations are higher and soils richer in limestone. Vacqueyras reds are more concentrated than the more general Côtes du Rhône reds and must be at least one half comprised of Grenache by law. Beaumes de Venise also includes some excellent higher elevation spots for making snappy, fruity and spicy reds but historically the appellation’s esteem came from its fragrant, sweet and golden Muscat de Beaumes-de-Venise.