Winemaker Notes
Garnet color with ruby reflects. On the nose, very ripe red fruit and spices. Nicely structured with firm and meaty tannins.
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
Already in bottle, the outstanding 2020 Côtes Du Rhône Samorens is based on 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that was brought up all in tank. From the northern part of the Southern Rhône, it has lots of charm in its black raspberry and darker, peppery fruit as well as more garrigue-like notes with air. Pure, medium-bodied, spicy, and complex, it’s well worth buying and drinking over the coming 4-5 years.
Grenache thrives in any warm, Mediterranean climate where ample sunlight allows its clusters to achieve full phenolic ripeness. While Grenache's birthplace is Spain (there called Garnacha), today it is more recognized as the key player in the red blends of the Southern Rhône, namely Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Côtes du Rhône and its villages. Somm Secret—The Italian island of Sardinia produces bold, rustic, single varietal Grenache (there called Cannonau). California, Washington and Australia have achieved found success with Grenache, both flying solo and in blends.
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.