Cotes du Rhones offer up some excellent values. Add to that the Rhone Valley (especially in the Southern Rhone) seems to have eight or nine good to great vintages a decade, and it can be a go to source of outstanding values. This wine is certainly one. It appears to be a Grenache/Syrah blend but the exact blend is unknown. The bottle is attractively packaged with an unusual shape and a colorful "Old-timey" label. Deep ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has black cherries, roasted meats, slight cinnamon and nutmeg with a slight earthiness. Medium bodied. There is a nice, almost velvety texture to the wine that is very inviting. On the palate, black cherries, Kirsch, with a slight "Luden's" cough drop note. Light tannins. The finish shows a sweet alcohol note. Drinking very well right now, this probably should be consumed over the next three to five years. It will work with the obvious roasted meats and lamb, but would work well with veggie burgers or even not too spicy Indian foods.
