Over the past couple of weeks I had two very good Cotes du Rhones from the very good 2006 vintage. Robert Parker is now raving about the 2007s from the Southern Rhone, but these two prove that 2006 is no slouch.
First up was the Cotes du Rhone from Domaine de la Mordoree. This winery is of course known for its Liracs and Chateauneuf du Papes, but the Cotes du Rhone delivers every year and 2006 is no different. A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Cinsault, Carignan, and Counoise, this is as complex a wine as you will find for around $12. It is deep and fairly robust for a Cotes du Rhone, and really quite a value.
Next up was the Cotes du Rhone from Domaine Grand Veneur. I had previously tasted the 2005, and found it still a bit tightly wound, but the 2006 had no such issues. From the opening on the first night, this wine was offering plenty of fruit as well as the typical southern Rhone garrigue. On the second night the wine was even better, with the everything in great balance. If the 2007 Cotes du Rhones are better than these offerings, I can't wait to try them all.
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