Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Cotes du Rhone Cercius Vieilles Vignes from the Plateau de Domazan, is a 7,000-case blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah aged six months in concrete. Cercius is the Latin name for the legendary north/south whipping winds called the Mistral that dominate the southern Rhone Valley for one hundred or so days a year. The deep ruby/purple-colored 2013 Cercius boasts a stunning nose of camphor, incense, blackberries, cassis, kirsch and licorice. This full-bodied, opulent, saturated, fruit-dominated red wine is super-pure, incredibly well-balanced, full and stunning. Drink it over the next 2-3 years.
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.