Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Roughly the same blend as the 2021—60% Grenache and 20% each Mourvèdre and Syrah—the 2022 Cotes du Rhone Villages Cuvee Setier is more perfumed and more concentrated, with floral, violet-like notes joining hints of roasted meat, road tar and dark, plummy fruit. Full-bodied and velvety, it should drink well for at least a decade.
Barrel Sample: 91-93 -
James Suckling
A dense, well-structured and focus Cotes-du-Rhone Villages with aromas of dark berries, grilled meat, stones and wild herbs with some baking spices. Medium-bodied with chalky tannins. Textural and slightly chewy on the palate, with focus and a serious character. Well built with a firm finish. 60% grenache, 20% syrah and 20% mourvedre. Drink or hold.
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2022 Côtes Du Rhône Villages Cuvee Setier checks in as 60% Grenache and 20% each Syrah and Mourvèdre. It's a slightly more concentrated, richer wine than the Côtes Du Rhône and has a beautiful sense of purity in its smoky black fruits, ground pepper, and crushed stone. Rich, tannic, medium-bodied, and concentrated, it’s going to need a year or two.
Rating: 91+
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.