“If you like red Rhônes, these are both good choices for everyday drinking.”
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It’s getting harder all the time to find a good bottle of red wine for 10 bucks. It seems like something that used to give pleasure for that price now goes for anywhere between $12-15, so whenever I can find a likely selection for a sawbuck, I jump on it. I’ve been able to double my pleasure in the last few weeks when I came across not one, but two of these little bargains, and both are worthy of consideration. Even better, they’re both Rhônes.
We quite enjoyed the 2021 Réserve del Puech Vieilles Vignes Côtes-du-Rhône we tried last October, so when I discovered that the next vintage is now available, I didn’t hesitate to pick one up and give it a taste.
2022 Réserve del Puech Vieilles Vignes Côtes-du-Rhône, 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignane, 14.5% alc., $10.99: The first and most obvious thing I noticed about this one is that it costs $4 less than the previous vintage, and I purchased both at the same place. I kept my mouth shut and didn’t ask questions, I just picked up a few bottles to try, and then went back for more when it proved to be most QPR-worthy. It has some size and weight, with a good dose of chewy black fruit shaded with earth, mineral and underbrush. This has the structure to age and improve for at least a few years, but it drinks pretty well already, especially as it opens up with air. This is classic Côtes-du-Rhône at a really good price, and when you drop it in a six pack, it only costs you $10. Such a deal! Find this wine
Imported by All Star Wine Imports, LLC, Cleveland, OH
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While I generally consider wines available at our local Trader Joe’s outlets to be serviceable, and little more, some good things do show up there occasionally. I’m usually dubious of anything they slap a “Trader Joe’s” label on, but I figured I’d take a chance when I saw this. It was one of those “how bad can it be for so few dollars” situations, and, as it turns out, it’s a pleasant surprise for this taster.
2022 Trader Joe’s Rasteau Reserve Lot #254, 14.5% alc., $9.99: No varietal information is given on the label, but it quite likely is composed of the usual regional suspects, such as Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. It’s a little less earthy and a bit more fruit forward than the Réserve del Puech, but it’s unmistakably Rhône-ish, being full bodied, with a nice core of black plum and berry fruit. I have no doubt that it’ll age well for a few years in the cellar, but this is ready to go now. It’s an easy drinking red that’s not gonna knock your socks off, but it does deliver the kind of quality that makes the $10 price tag attractive. Find this wine
Imported by Plume Ridge, Claremont, CA
If you like red Rhônes, these are both good choices for everyday drinking. We’ve already purchased multiple bottles of each, and we’ll be going back for more soon.
Reporting from Day-twah,
Bastardo
