Another Good Value Rhone

While the prices of Bordeaux and Burgundy continue to rise, lots of value wines are still coming out of Rhone.  This year, I’ve tried so many wines from Rhone, both red and white - Cotes du Rhone, Beaumes de Venise, Gigondas, Vacqueyras, Chateauneuf du Pape, Saint-Joseph, and Crozes Hermitage.  It still amazes me how many good quality wines from Rhone can be found at such reasonable prices.

Last week I had the 2007 Delas St. Esprit Cotes du Rhone, a blend of mostly Syrah and Grenache with some Mourvedre and Carignan as well.  It’s a dark red with medium viscosity (13.5% alcohol), and shows characteristics of dark fruit, wild berry, black pepper, roasted meat (I love that in a Rhone red!), earthiness, spices, and a nice fruit/acidity/tannin balance.  The texture is pleasant and the finish is respectable.  I could hardly believe this wine is only around $15.

2007 Delas St. Esprit Cotes du Rhone