Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Jeb Dunnuck
The 2015 Côte du Rhône is a blend of 65% Grenache and the rest Syrah, Mourvèdre and Carignan. It offers a terrific bouquet of violets, cracked peppercorns, blackberries and scorched earth. Medium to full-bodied, concentrated and balanced, with fine, chewy tannin, it's a value to enjoy over the coming 4-5 years.
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Wine Enthusiast
Violet, bramble and fresh thyme accentuate bright blackberry and plum in this velvety, rich red. While its juicy, floral style is approachable, the wine is surprisingly bold in structure, framed by dense, penetrating tannins and brisk acidity.
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.