The wines of the Cotes du Rhone are all the time enchanting however not usually are they this reasonably priced. Right now we dive right into a trio of CdR releases, all of which hover across the $20 mark — and all of that are value your time.
2023 Gabriel Meffre “Saint-Mapalis” Plan de Dieu Cotes du Rhone Villages – From the Plan de Dieu plateau, somewhat a rarity to seek out in U.S.-distributed bottlings. There’s fairly a density on this wine, thick with notes of anise and contemporary raisins nestled right into a thick core of cassis and tart, underripe cherries. Some lighter turned earth notes add a contact of gravity to the proceedings, with a pinch of pepper spicing up the again finish. Gamy at instances, with a barely leathery edge, this can be a pure companion for richer, meaty dishes, the funkier the higher. An absolute steal at $20. A- / $20
2022 Chateau Saint-Nabor Cotes du Rhone – One other earthy, nearly gravelly expression, showcasing turned earth and anise, with a raisiny character creating after only a few minutes within the glass. More and more chocolaty and touched with vanilla, the sweeter components offset the sunshine gaminess within the wine, which ensures its light beefiness is stored in verify. Airtime is a wonderful funding right here, which helps mood any roughness and let the darker fruit notes shine extra clearly. Nonetheless a pinch of pencil lead and blackberry bramble cling to the end, although neither are unwelcome. A- / $20
2022 La Bastide Saint Dominique Cotes de Rhone Villages – Reasonably than earthy, this wine leans right into a meatier/beefier high quality, layered with notes of prune and well-dried raisin, nearly passito in presentation. A layer of cherries and baking spice works its approach into the forefront of the palate, culminating in a end that’s touched with dried flowers, notably lavender. On the similar time, the wine comes throughout as a bit underdeveloped, wanting some construction wanted to offer the entire above some grounding. B+ / $22
2022 Chateau Saint-Nabor Cotes du Rhone
$20
