Rhone (Rhône)

• Châteauneuf-du-Pape
• Cornas
• Crozes-Hermitage
• Gigondas
• Hermitage
• Lirac
• Saint Joseph

I was pleasantly surprised to see this was still drinking well.  Salmon/orange in color, light but clear and bright.  The nose has some watermelon and strawberries.  Light bodied.  Nice texture.  On the palate, there is still some fruit left but no off notes and very refreshing.  It should have been consumed a few years ago, but no reason not to drink up now.  Probably  better with some lighter appetizers.  

This is a blend of 45% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre.  Purple in color with ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is earthy with black cherries, black raspberries, spices, dried lavender and a bit of roasted herbs.  Medium bodied.  Nice texture.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this is drinking well.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper and spice.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  It worked nicely with Lasagna.  Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.  

This Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from the Rhone Valley in France.  Light pink in color, clear and bright.  The nose has cherries, strawberries and raspberries.  Light bodied.  Good balance.  On the palate, this is accessible and drinking well.  Flavors of Strawberries and Raspberries with good acidity.  It is nice on its own but better with food.  It worked well with a white pizza with asparagus.  Drink over the next year or two.  Excellent value.

This is a 60/40 blend of Grenache/Syrah from the  Rhone Valley in France.  Ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is dusty with black cherries, spice, roasted herbs and slight black raspberries.  Nice texture.  Medium tannins.  Moderate acidity.  On the palate, black cherries, anise and char.  Good finish.  A nice wine for casual drinking that won't break the bank.  It is nice on its own and will work well with most (not seafood) foods.  A nice choice with a pot of Chili on a fall afternoon.  Drink over the next five years.

This is 80% grenache with 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault.  It is a more traditionally styled CdP.  Garnet in color, mostly clear and bright with some purple swirls.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, black raspberries, slight floral notes, and spice.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  On the palate, this has flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, slight earthiness and spice.  This seems about fully mature but should drink well for another five to eight years.  Better with food, this worked well with assorted pizzas.  

This is a blend of Grenache 75% and Syrah 15% along with ten percent Cinsault, Mourvedre, and Carignan.  Deep garnet with purple swirls, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is lovely with cherries, black cherries, spices, black pepper, slight black olives and black raspberries.  Medium to full bodied.  Slight tannins.  On the palate, juicy black cherries and cherries with spice and char.  Nice finish.  This drinks easy on its own and will work well with grilled meats, fowl or veggies.  Drink over the next three to five years.  

Another great value in Cotes du Rhone.  Purple in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is great with black cherries, cherries, floral notes, spices, and black olives.  Medium bodied.  Good acidity.  On the palate, this has nice depth and some complexity.  Black cherry fruit with some cherries and just a hint of strawberries.  Nice texture.  Light tannins.  Good finish.  This is delicious on its own and will work well with food.  This would be a classic match with cassoulet.  Drink over the next three to five years.  

Cotes du Rhone wines have been and continue to be some of the best values in wine.  This is a blend of Grenache, Carignan and Syrah.  Purple in color with some ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose is interesting and nice with black cherries, black raspberries, spices, slight purple flowers and slight chocolate.  Great full bodied texture.  Good balance.  On the palate this is delicious.  It has depth and some complexity.  Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, spice and char.  Nice finish.  This is great on its own and will work well with food.  This is a great choice for g