The last time I held a bottle of Cote Du Rhone in my hands I'd bought a case in Paris to bring back with me. Needless to say I came back with no bottles, so I was chuffed to hear we would be getting in some of this beauty.
With a lifted and attractive nose, very modern in style and unforced, with red berry aromas met by spice and dried herbs this is a classic blend, comprising the best of the Syrah and Grenache varietals. The palate is likewise fruit focussed and vibrant with supple black berries, candied fruit and aniseed surrounded by soft savoury spice and fine tannins. Will rest for a couple of years nicely, otherwise crack open and enjoy right away.
Awards and Accolades
2015 Vintage: 90 Points - Campbell Mattinson, The Wine Front "This is a good way to spend 20 bucks. It’s a lively red, berried, spicy, slightly smoky/clovey/meaty but basically fruit-driven, ripe and bright. There’s a slip of tannin but it’s gum-smooth, almost satiny, or perhaps coated-in-fruit is a better way to describe it. No complaints or surprises here. Just good drinking in a medium-weight manner. Just enough ‘interest’ too."
About the Vineyard
Les Courtilles (a series of small courtyards) is named after the village winery founded in 1997 by Bernard Schurr.
A core blend (80%) of primarily Grenache was hand-harvested and de-stemmed before a long cold soak and fermentation in small concrete vats, pumped over twice daily. Transferred to a stainless steel tank to finish fermentation before blending with a component (20%) of barrel-matured Cotes de Rhone Villages fruit from the Plan de Dieu, adding depth, complexity and structure to the wine whilst increasing cellaring potential.
Following an excellent spring the southern Rhone, like much of France, endured a cold and wet summer which limited yields and demanded much diligence from the vignerons. A warm and dry August and the consistent mistral wine saved the vintage, so much so that the harvest arrived exactly on time. Slightly more sorting was required than on average but the final selection was very good, medium bodied in weight but with excellent flavour and balance.
Don't Pay: $24.00
WBW Rating: 93/100
Closure: Screwcap
Region: Rhone Valley, France
Winemaker: Bernard Shurr
Drink now until: 2022
Alc/Vol: 14 %