2019 Cotes du Rhone Reserve

Possibly the finest vintage for this cuvée I’ve ever tasted, the 2019 Côtes Du Rhône Reserve (70% Grenache and 30% Mourvèdre) is unquestionably a match for any number of top Châteauneuf du Papes out there in a blind tasting. Terrific black raspberry and cassis fruits as well as Provençal spice and peppery notes give way to a full-bodied, perfectly balanced, elegant yet concentrated Côtes du Rhône that offers everything you could want from a Southern Rhône. It’s going to keep for a solid decade with no issues. The 2019s from Le Clos du Caillou showed brilliantly, and this is clearly a great vintage for the estate, with the wines equaling what was produced in 2016, 2010, 2007, 2005, and 2001. These are silky, elegant, yet also concentrated wines across the board, and despite the multitude of cuvées, they all have singular, distinct personalities. These are brilliant wines readers will love to have in their cellars.

The flagship Côtes du Rhône from this estate, the 2019 Côtes du Rhône La Reserve is certainly the biggest, richest, and most impressive Côtes du Rhône in the lineup. Revealing a deep purple color as well as rich, powerful bouquet of smoky red and black fruits, peppery herbs, crushed stone, and ample Provençal garrigue, it hits the palate with medium to full-bodied richness, a deep, layered mid-palate, and a great finish. This concentrated, Provençal 2019 will benefit from 2-3 years of bottle age and keep for upwards of a decade, if you’re so inclined.