Domaine Rouge Garance Côtes du Rhône Villages 2016, France

A pretty purple in color with a purplish rim.

Fruity nose with blueberries, black currants, black plums, raspberries, vanilla, earth, light wood, vegetables, black olives and black pepper.

Medium plus in body with medium acidity and long legs.

Dry and fruity on the palate with cherries, blueberries, sweet raspberries, tobacco, chocolates, coffee, peppercorn, spices, earth, wet leaves, light vegetables and black tea.

Nice length on the finish with firm tannins and tangy raspberries.

This is a great red blend from Côtes du Rhone. Nicely balanced with nice acidity and fruits. Showing a bigger mouthfeel than expected, with tannins that need some air. Has good complexity and a gentle mouthfeel.

Needed 2 hours to open up properly, and could use another year in the bottle to mature, but already drinking very nicely.

A blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. Aged for 12 months in 80% concrete tanks and 20% in oak barrels.

14.5% alcohol by volume.

88 points.

$22.

• * Red Wine
• French Red Blend
• French Red Wine
• Southern Rhône Red