Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine & Spirits
This shows both the ripeness of the 2013 vintage and the gentling effect of three years in barrels in its generosity and length. It feels elegant and spicy, notes of black pepper and green herbs spiking the juicy black-plum flavor, an earthy, green-olive note riding underneath. The tannins are present enough to keep tension in the wine but they hold no meanness: You could drink this now, with lamb chops, or cellar it another dozen years.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Tasted out of bottle, the 2013 Hermitage is outstanding, with a still youthful, fresh, tight texture. Perfumed notes of blackberries, scorched earth, spice, and graphite all emerge from this medium to full-bodied 2013 that shows the classic, cooler-climate, yet concentrated style of the vintage nicely.
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.