Winemaker Notes
The wine is replete with black fruits and pepper and has a pleasant smoothness on the palate and finish that belies its underlying rusticity. Would be great with pork stew or jambalaya.
Blend: 80% Grenache, 20% Syrah
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This is a juicy, vivid and crunchy red with notes of cherries, Mediterranean herbs, roasted meat and some baking spices. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Well balanced and velvety, with plenty of energy at the center. Juicy berries with a lively finish. Bright and succulent. From organically grown grapes.
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Wine Spectator
There's a creamy note of bacon fat atop the mulling spice and plum elements in this mouthfilling red. Well-packed and energetic, with firming details of iron and smoky, charred herbs. Delicious. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now. 2,500 cases made, 1,700 cases imported.
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.