Winemaker Notes
Composed of 70% Grenache from 50 year old vines from Cassanet in Chateauneuf du Pape and 30% Syrah, from 15 years old from Beaumes de Venise.
"Produced from a vineyard adjacent to Chateauneuf du Pape, and is primarily tank-aged Grenache with a dollop of Syrah in the the blend. Reminiscent of an old style Chateauneuf, it possesses copious quantities of kirsch liqueur intermixed with pepper, lavender, and tobacco notes. Surprisingly rich, full-bodied, and unctuous, there are 20,000 bottles of this hedonistic turn on. Enjoy it over the next 3-4 years."
-The Wine Advocate
Professional Ratings
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.