Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Nostre Pais Costieres de Nimes is a Châteauneuf du Pape look-alike. Made from 45% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre and the rest Cinsault, it saw a long maceration and slightly more oak than normal due to the higher acidity that was common in the vintage. Roasted herbs, licorice, black raspberries and toasted spices are some of nuance here, and it’s medium to full-bodied, mouth-filling and textured, with sweet tannin. It’s a sexy, gorgeous wine to drink over the coming 4-5 years.
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Wine Spectator
Offers a fleshy, succulent feel, with warmed cherry preserves and fresh dark plum fruit, lined with a twinge of anise. A light sanguine echo through the finish gives this range. Drink now through 2017. 4,000 cases made.
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.
Gently rolling hills covered by large, round stones on south-facing slopes, Costieres de Nimes is a substantial IGP zone that was formerly considered part of the Languedoc. Today it is included as a section of the southern Rhone; its climate, topography and wines put it more in line with that appellation. Grenache is its most important red variety, along with Mourvedre, Syrah and Carignan. Half of the production here is rosé.