Cotes Du Rhone

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – ‘A négoce blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2017 Cotes du Rhone Reserve Mont Redon combines black cherries and black olives in a supple, medium to full-bodied wine that's ideal for quaffing over the next several years. Drink 2019-2023.’ 87 points, Joe Czerwinski, The Wine Advocate, August 2019.

The Wine Front – Les Courtilles has offered keen value for money in the Australian market for six or seven years now. This is a good way to spend 20 bucks. It’s a lively red, berried, spicy, slightly smoky/clovey/meaty but basically fruit-driven, ripe and bright. There’s a slip of tannin but it’s gum-smooth, almost satiny, or perhaps coated-in-fruit is a better way to describe it. No complaints or surprises here. Just good drinking in a medium-weight manner. Just enough ‘interest’ too.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The Guigals predict volumes of only 3.5 million bottles for the 2017 Cotes du Rhone, as good wine was harder to source than in 2016. It's still bright and primary, with cherry fruit seeming a bit one-dimensional at this stage, although there's a welcome hint of almond paste on the crisp finish. Range: 89-91

World Wine – "...the 2017 Côtes Du Rhône Lieu-Dit Clavin reveals a deep purple color as well as classic notes of black licorice, blackcurrants, ground pepper, and earth. Medium to full-bodied, with plenty of tannins yet beautiful fruit, it needs 2-4 years of bottle age, but it’s beautiful stuff and I’d wager one of the best Côtes Du Rhône out there" Jeb Dunnuck

James Suckling – Fruit-derived complexity with fragrant spicy red and blueberry notes and sappy, foresty nuances. The palate has juicy depth and nicely defined structure, with red cherry, plum and raspberry flavors. Drink now.

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – Blackberries, raspberries, peppery spice and Provençal garrigue all emerge from this ripe, textured, downright delicious Côtes du Rhône that has real class. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years. Drink: 2017-2024.

The Wine Front – Le grand garçon est dans la maison. Well this is a bold, juicy mass of Grenache. Dark cherry and plum, liquorice, saucy spice, almost a violet perfume too. Full bodied, fleshy and rich with a ripe mass of tannin, while stone and dried herb cinches it in. Finishes long and succulent, with a wisp of smoke in the aftertaste. Still looking young and vigorous, and likely even better in a few years.

World Wine – Saturated ruby. Sexy black and blue fruit aromas are complicated by vanilla, licorice and woodsmoke. Fleshy cassis and blueberry flavors are lifted and sharpened by juicy acidity and a peppery nuance. Gains flesh and depth with air, finishing with serious energy and slow-building tannins. Very sexy stuff. Josh Raynolds Vinous Media

Wine Spectator – Ripe, juicy and concentrated, with plum sauce and cherry preserve flavours pumping along, followed by lively anise, ganache and singed tobacco leaf notes. A flash of charcoal adds contrast to the finish. Drink now through 2021.

World Wine – Primarily Grenache, the 2010 Family Reserve boasts a dense ruby/purple hue in addition to a big, sweet bouquet of kirsch, lavender, pepper, and licorice. Broad, opulent, and fleshy with stunning concentration, purity, and depth, this is another example of an estate that seems to eclipse its previous vintages' high quality with each new offering. Drink this beauty over the next 7-8 years.

Wine Spectator – Key lime, pear and green apple notes form the core here, while light fennel, honeysuckle and quinine accents ripple through the bright, unadorned finish.

Antonio Galloni/Vinous –

Robert Parker/Wine Advocate – The 2012 Côtes du Rhône Villages Setier is a rock-solid effort with classic Southern Rhône character in its saddle leather, wild herbs, dried flowers and pepper-driven aromas and flavors. Made from 60% Grenache and 20% each of Syrah and Mourvedre, aged all in tank, buy this delicious, fabulously Provencal 2012 by the case and drink it over the coming 2-4 years.

The Wine Front – Light, spicy, crisp, white fleshed fruit, honey and citrus. Clean lines, good length. Carries some spicy oak, but it works well enough. I liked it best quite chilled, but it showed a different side when served cool-ish, not least a more fleshy and viscous texture. Versatile wine. Easy to enjoy.

Decanter – Expressive – leaps out of the glass: tangy, fresh pineapple, nectarine and citrus aromas framed by subtle oak and a burst of dried fruit flavour. Full, fat and fresh.