Winemaker Notes
Dark ruby with light edges. Medium intensity with aromas of small stone fruits and delicately spicy hints of pepper, thyme and garrigue (bush land). Smooth, warming and elegant. Its aromas recall wild red fruits, dark cherries, forest floor and licorice. The tannins are soft yet precise.
Enjoy with a wild mushroom omelette, beef filets, veal stew, or with a dessert of chocolate and cherry cake.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A rather rich and creamy red with dark cherries, blackberries and plenty of cassis. Medium-bodied with plenty of fruits and a fluid finish.
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.