2023 Louis Bernard Côtes du Rhône, France, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2023
Score: 
89
Grade: 
B+

This is a blend of Grenache and Syrah from the Southern Rhone.  Deep ruby in color, partially opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, cherries, wild herbs and slight floral notes.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  Good balance.  On the palate, this is easy and tasty to drink.  Flavors of cherries, black cherries, spice and char.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  A perfect choice for (veggie) Burgers off the grill.  Drink over the next five years.  

2012 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2012
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$80.00USD

From Magnum.  Deep garnet in color, partially opaque and bright.  The nose is clean and very nice with black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, black olives and roasted herbs.  Medium to full bodied.  Great energy and balance.  On the palate, this is not yet at peak (maybe it is for a 750ml) but close.  Light tannins.  Great black cherry fruit with some black olive and black pepper.  Long finish.  This is nice on its own but better with food.  It would work well with a Beef Stew.  Drink over the next five to eight  years.  

2009 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2009
Score: 
91
Grade: 
A-

This is their basic CdP.  Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has black cherries, slight roasted herbs, slight black olives and black pepper.  Medium bodied.  Light tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, black cherries and cherries with some black pepper and slight char.  Good finish. This seems to be at peak but should drink at the level for another five years.  Better with food.  This would work well with roasted squash.  

2018 Alain Jaume Côtes du Rhône Rosé Reserve Grand Veneur, France, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2018
Score: 
86
Grade: 
B

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.  

2020 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron, France, Rhone, Wine Review

Vintage: 
2020
Score: 
93
Grade: 
A
Current Price: 
$40.00USD

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.  

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