2018 Cotes du Rhone Reserve

Including more Mourvèdre, the 2018 Côtes du Rhône La Reserve checks in as 75% Grenache and 25% Mourvèdre that was brought up all in demi-muids. Almost opaque ruby, with a blockbuster nose of Bing cherries, black raspberries, flowery incense, toasted spices, and dry-aged beef, this beauty hits the palate with full-bodied richness, a seamless, elegant texture, loads of fruit, and a great finish. The level of purity as well as finesse in this wine, paired with plenty of richness, is something to behold. It way over-delivers for a Côtes du Rhône. In fact, for my money, this is one of the best Côtes du Rhône out there. It’s terrific today yet will evolve nicely for a solid decade. Does Côtes du Rhônes get any better?

Another step up the Côtes du Rhône quality ladder, the 2018 Cotes du Rhone La Reserve is a Grenache-Mourvèdre blend sourced from sandy soils within the property's clos. Full-bodied, silky and richly concentrated, it delivers layers of ripe cherries, dried spices and leather, rolling seamlessly through the lingering finish.

This has super attractive, sweetly fragrant aromas of white flowers, apples and melon, leading to a palate that offers a very smoothly honed array of baked-pear and poached-apple flavors. Drink now.