Winemaker Notes
Dark with purple undertones. Intense notes of violet, black fruit and spices, black pepper and licorice. Round, full-bodied, huge finesse with elegant tannins, very fresh.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
This late-release wine shows just the subtlest notes of evolution, with salty olive tapenade and forest floor underpinnings to flavors of steeped cherry and plum sauce. Concentrated and dark, this has power in reserve, with black tea tannins still showing some grip. 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.
One of the more established Rhône villages promoted to its own 'Côtes du Rhône Villages' appellation, Vinsobres produces uniquely styled Rhône Blends based on Grenache and Syrah in its relatively cool and elevated vineyards.