🍇 Wine Varietal Overview: Côtes du Rhône Blends

The Côtes du Rhône appellation, located in the southeastern Rhône Valley of France, is known for red blends typically made from Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM). These wines are celebrated for their:

Aromas: red berries (raspberry, cherry), plum, spices (black pepper), herbs (garrigue), and sometimes leather or forest floor.
Flavors: fruit-forward with balanced acidity and tannins, and notes of dark fruits, spice, and sometimes earthy or smoky qualities.
Mouthfeel: generally smooth, medium- to full-bodied with a pleasant finish.

Compared to GSM blends from Spain (Garnacha) or Australia, Rhône versions are often more restrained, earthy, and balanced, with less emphasis on oak or overripe fruit.

🍷 Wine Tasting Results (in order A-D)

🅰️ Wine A: Boisset Family Estate – Côtes du Rhône Réserve Bonpas

📍 Vinted in: Rhône Valley, France
🏙️ Producer: Boisset Family Estate
🗓️ Vintage: Not listed
💵 Price: $16.99
🛒 Store: Harris Teeter
👃 Aromas: Plum, cherry, orange peel, black pepper
👅 Flavors: Plum, raspberry, peppery spice, long finish with a slight tang
⭐ Lynn's Score: 15 – would buy again, drink at home
⭐ Scott's Score: 15 – would buy again, take to a neighborhood party
🏆 Total Score: 30/40 – 🏅Winner of the tasting!
✅ Buy Again (Both): Yes
📝 Tasting Notes: Bold and balanced with fruit-forward notes, spicy pepper, and a satisfying mouthfeel. Some acidity on the finish, but overall very enjoyable.

🅱️ Wine B: E. Guigal Côtes du Rhône Rouge

📍 Vinted in: Ampuis, Rhône Valley, France
🏙️ Producer: E. Guigal
🗓️ Vintage: 2020
💵 Price: $24.99 (most expensive)
🛒 Store: Harris Teeter
👃 Aromas: Red raspberry, cranberry, licorice, forest floor
👅 Flavors: Raspberry, cherry, slight pepper, smooth entry but short finish
⭐ Lynn's Score: 13 – would buy again, drink at home
⭐ Scott's Score: 14 – would buy again, take to a party
🏆 Total Score: 27/40 – 2nd place
✅ Buy Again (Both): Yes
📝 Tasting Notes: A smooth, fruity wine with appealing aromas but a quick finish. Not as complex as others, but easy to drink.

🅲 Wine C: Chavelier du Grand Robert Côtes du Rhône

📍 Vinted in: Rhône Valley, France
🏙️ Producer: Chavelier du Grand Robert
🗓️ Vintage: 2023
💵 Price: $11.99
🛒 Store: Harris Teeter
👃 Aromas: Faint, slightly floral, overripe rose bush
👅 Flavors: Overwhelming alcohol, vague red fruit, no standout flavors
⭐ Lynn's Score: 12 – would buy again, drink at home
⭐ Scott's Score: 10 – would not buy again
🏆 Total Score: 22/40 – Last place
❌ Buy Again (Scott): No
📝 Tasting Notes: Lacked aroma complexity, overwhelmed by alcohol, and generally underwhelming flavor. Possibly too young to shine and needs another year or two to really stand out.

🅳 Wine D: M. Chapoutier Belleruche Côtes du Rhône

📍 Vinted in: Rhône Valley, France
🏙️ Producer: M. Chapoutier
🗓️ Vintage: 2021
💵 Price: $16.99
🛒 Store: Harris Teeter
👃 Aromas: Cherry, plum, raspberry, leather, forest floor
👅 Flavors: Red fruits (cherry, raspberry), pleasant but short finish
⭐ Lynn's Score: 13 – would buy again, drink at home
⭐ Scott's Score: 13 – would buy again, drink at home
🏆 Total Score: 26/40 – 3rd place
✅ Buy Again (Both): Yes
📝 Tasting Notes: Classic Rhône profile with good aromas and red fruit. Lacked longevity in the finish but otherwise solid.

🏆 Tasting Winner: Wine A – Boisset Family Estate Bonpas Réserve

🎉 This wine stood out with its:

Strong fruit-forward character 🍒
Touch of spice and black pepper 🌶️
Long, satisfying finish 🌀
Balance of tannins and acidity ⚖️

Both Lynn and Scott scored it the highest and said they'd gladly drink it again at home – and even at a party in Scott’s case!

Tasting: Harris Teeter Côtes du Rhône Red Blends