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2020 Côtes du Rhône
Selected by Kermit Lynch
This emblematic southern Rhône red originates half an hour east of Avignon, just outside a town whose name begins with Châteauneuf and whose vineyards are littered with the Rhône’s most quintessential terroir feature: the rounded river stones called galets roulés. No, this is not the Châteauneuf—Châteauneuf-du-Pape—that brought the region fame through its history of papal schism and legendary wines, but Châteauneuf-de-Gadagne, a charming medieval village worthy of a stop the next time you find yourself near Avignon.
For this cuvée—our house blend—we use mostly Grenache, along with some Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan, and a splash of Marselan planted in a galet-strewn terroir, which reflects the southern sun into the forty-year-old vines and yields an expressive rouge full of beautiful aromas and flavors of black cherries, stones, and a hint of black olive. Year in and year out, we are amazed to find this much southern French character and deliciousness for the price of a movie ticket.
—Tom Wolf
Wine Type: | red |
Vintage: | 2020 |
Bottle Size: | 750mL |
Blend: | 48% Grenache, 39% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre, 5% Carignan, 1% Marselan, 1% Cinsault |
Appellation: | Côtes du Rhône |
Country: | France |
Region: | Southern Rhône |
Producer: | Selected by Kermit Lynch |
Vineyard: | 40 years average, 36 ha |
Soil: | Marl, Limestone |
Aging: | Wine is aged in cement tank before bottling |
Farming: | Lutte Raisonnée |
Alcohol: | 14.5% |
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About The Producer
Selected by Kermit Lynch
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Kermit once said...

Kermit once said...
When buying red Burgundy, I think we should remember:
1. Big wines do not age better than light wine.
2. A so-called great vintage at the outset does not guarantee a great vintage for the duration.
3. A so-called off vintage at the outset does not mean the wines do not have a brilliant future ahead of them.
4. Red Burgundy should not taste like Guigal Côte-Rôtie, even if most wine writers wish it would.
5. Don’t follow leaders; watch yer parking meters.
Inspiring Thirst, page 174