Côtes du Rhône Villages Reviews

Black cherry; clove; plums; luscious fruit.

The 2015 Côtes du Rhône Villages is an outstanding Southern Rhône that has loads of ripe strawberry and raspberry fruits, medium-bodied richness and a peppery, spicy style on the palate that makes it a joy to drink. It’s a terrific value to buy by the case and enjoy over the coming 2-3 years.

Vivid ruby-red. Jammy red berries and a hint of cracked pepper on the nose. Light-bodied raspberry and cherry flavors pick up a dark chocolate nuance with air and offer a hint of bitterness on the back half. Racy and refreshing, showing no excess weight, very soft tannins and just a hint of dusty tannins. -- Josh Raynolds

Best Buy
This is tart and juicy, with rose scents and black raspberry flavors carried by brisk acidity. Give it a light chill and bring it to a cookout; it will match everything from the burgers to the vegetable sides. 

Fragrances of blackberries, plums, and black pepper rise up from a glass. The palate offers flavors of blackberry, boysenberry, and plum, alongside whispers of spice and smoke. With dark fruit, mellow tannins, and a flash of pepper, fans of Cotes du Rhone ought to try this, especial at under $15 a bottle. 

Notes of cherry and bramble fruit come together with traces of pepper and anise on the nose. With a sip, flavors of blackberries, currants, and cherries interweave with highlights of peppercorns and black licorice. A smooth wine with expressions of lively spice, chicken or lamb kabobs would make a fine pairing.

CHAIRMAN'S TROPHY

Extraordinary, Ultimate Recommendation.

Best Buy. A savory red, this is all seedy raspberry fruit and gravelly minerality, with tannins that pin the flavor to the tongue. It lasts, earthy and austere, sophisticated country wine for lamb.

Polished and pure, featuring a beam of cherry preserves backed by blood orange, damson plum and iron notes. Drink now. 6,700 cases made. –JM

Light but focused, with fine-grained structure guiding the red and black cherry, black licorice and lavender notes. Good length. Drink now. 6,700 cases made.

Fleshy and direct, with a toasty frame to the crushed blackberry, plum sauce and dark cocoa notes. Drink now. 6,700 cases made.