Winemaker Notes
"Believe me, this wine will shock the bejesus out of you. An 8,000-case custom cuvee (no new oak, just oodles of fruit and character), importer Eric Solomon has hit the bull's eye with this blend of 75% old vine Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre. A thick, inky/purple color is followed by a knock-out perfume of melted licorice, roasted meats, black cherries, and blackberry jam. This full-throttle, pedal to the metal Cotes du Rhone tastes like a top-flight Chateauneuf du Pape. It is declassified Vacqueyras that the importer convinced this traditionally run domaine to bottle early as well as unfiltered. The texture is opulent, and the wine is an astonishing value. Drink it over the next decade. Ka-boom! This wine held up beautifully for three days without oxidation."
-Wine Advocate 91 Points (2001 vintage)
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.