2019 Cotes du Rhone Vieilles Vignes

A real insider’s find, Domaine Font de Courtedune neighbours the vineyards of Ch. Rayas and make their wines in a similarly traditional style. Their Côtes-du-Rhône Villages Vieilles Vignes remains outstanding value for the quality on offer. What is immediately apparent and particular to the 2019 vintage of Courtedune’s Côtes du Rhône are the beautiful aromatics captured in the wine. It has a lovely, perfumed lift with floral, violet aromas. On the palate there is deeper-toned, black plum fruit accompanied by black pepper and dried spice notes. Texturally the tannins are silky. There is some warmth to the fruit – adding a bit of intensity to the palate, but it remains fresh and well balanced. This is concentrated, though not overly full-bodied with the 15% alcohol well integrated. This is already drinking beautifully, but the concentration and intensity will see it outlive many other Côtes du Rhône Villages at this price point.