Winemaker Notes
Dark red color with purple reflections. The nose is characterized by intense aromas of candied red fruits, black pepper, and thyme. A round palate with a present and balanced tannic structure. The finish is long with cherry notes
Perfectly complements meat-based dishes such as duck shepherd’s pie, lamb navarin, or beef grills. It also pairs well with characterful cheeses.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A prototypical white Cotes-du-Rhone with stacks of fresh almond, ripe nectarine and orange blossom aromas. Nice ripeness, but medium-bodied with a lively acidity that makes the zesty finish refreshing. A viognier-based cuvee.
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.