Winemaker Notes
The vineyards were originally planted in the second century by the Romans and produce some of the most expressive wines here. Aged in cement vats, the wine is warm and expressive with notes of cherry and blueberry reflecting the blend of Grenache and Syrah.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This perfumed 75/25 blend of Grenache and Syrah shares the same blossomy, fresh-fruited demeanor of Yves Cheron's more expensive Southern Rhône wines. It's a full-bodied, silky sip, with ample black-cherry and plum flavors edged by burnt caramel and a refreshing mineral lift. Soft in tannins and forward in fruit, it's an immediately enjoyable wine that should drink at peak through 2024.
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.