Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The first vintage to include fruit from the estate Bec Vineyard in the southern end of the appellation, the 2010 Costières de Nîmes Lou Coucardié is 60% Mourvèdre, 30% Grenache, and 10% Syrah that was destemmed and brought up largely in barrels, with a good percentage new. It displays just a hint of evolution at the rim to go with spicy, mature notes of blackberries, smoked meats, leather, and peppery garrigue. It's medium to full-bodied, has a rich, layered mouthfeel, ripe tannins, and a great finish. This powerful, concentrated, impressive
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Wine Spectator
Fleshy and full-bodied, with dark mocha, roasted alder and steeped plum and blackberry flavors all entwined. The mocha edge lingers through the broad, dark finish. Mourvedre, Grenache and Syrah.
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.