From the three Cotes du Rhone wines reviewed below, two have an ABV of 15% – hardly a surprise yet I’m still not prepared for it. As the years pass, I tolerate high alcohol less and less, and I crave balance more and more. Check out that Yannick Alléno & Michel Chapoutier bottling, it gets things right – still ripe at 14% yet not heavy or clumsy!
Domaine de la Solitude Côtes du Rhône Rouge 2023
Such a nice nose, savoury, a bit oxidative, traditional with a true Southern Rhone character. Rosemary, cooked strawberries, a touch of leather – it smells classic. Smooth and effortless, lightly extracted palate with gentle tannins, at first sip this looks like one for early drinking – but then that 15% hits and makes the finish quite hot and the wine less drinkable. It’s still a good wine, but somewhat unbalanced. 84 points, 13.65 €
Guigal Côtes du Rhône 2022
Frankly, this is quite disappointing. I get no typicity but an attack of unattractive oak instead. It’s flabby, foursquare, with bitterness and alcohol burning in the finish (15%). Poor wine, 79 points. 10,12 €