Two completely different faces of Cotes Du Rhone. I love one but not so much the other. You guessed right, ripeness level has a lot to do with that.
Domaine Durieu “Pont de Pierres” Cotes du Rhone 2023
Traditional in style, the nose is savoury, ripe and a bit restrained with cooked strawberry notes and a touch of leather. Quite gently extracted, it feels unforced on the palate, but the acidity is low, the alcohol is high, it’s a bit flabby and hot. Not a bad wine, but lacks vigour and balance. ABV is 15%. 85 points, 8,63€ at vinatis.com.
Les Jarlotiers Cotes du Rhone 2024
What a nice surprise! This is just pretty and absolutely delicious. Unusually fresh for a Cotes du Rhone, spicy, red fruited – smells like whole bunch fermented, with black peppers prominent on the nose. Perfectly proportioned palate, it’s light on its feet but has tension and firm, pleasantly grippy tannins. Pure, juicy, contemporary, so well-made. Coup de coeur, very good wine, 88 points. Stunning value at 6,04€ (Vinatis).