Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Interestingly, it did not outclass its counterpart in the much inferior vintage of 2008, the 2008 Cotes du Rhone-Villages Les Champauvins. The latter wine was made from the same blend, has an identical price, and is of essentially equal quality. However, the 2008 is far more evolved than the twelve months difference in age would suggest. It also moves more toward the earthy, autumnal, vegetative character, but there is no shortage of sweet black cherry fruit, pepper, licorice, and spice box characteristics in this wine.
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.