2003 Domaine de l’Espigouette, Plan de Dieu, Côtes du Rhône-Villages, France
Summary: Brilliant deep ruby in color, this wine’s aromas of intense, dusty dark fruit, cinnamon, leather and pepper leaped from the glass effortlessly as concentrated flavors continued with big fruit notes of blackberry jam and lots of pepper, along with strawberry and savory cocoa.  This medium- bodied, well structured wine finished “long and pleasant,” leaving panelists wanting more.
Food Friendliness: Ready to drink. Serve with grilled meats or any serious ragout over pasta.

$11 Exceptional Value

2001 Château Saint-Roch, Côtes du Rhône, France
Summary: Rich, subtle layers of cherry, leather, eucalyptus and clove defined the nose of this rusty red wine.  Flavors of cherry, strawberry, cola and cocoa were well balanced.  Tasters described the mouthfeel as “smooth and round,” “expansive” and “well weighted. It faded consistently into a cherry-berry blend.
Food Friendliness: This versatile wine would match well with a variety of dishes, including minestrone soup, green salad, seafood pasta with cream sauce and most meats.

$12 Exceptional Value

2003 Domaine Brusset, Cairanne, Côtes du Rhône- Villages, France
Summary: The mystery that lurked in this wine’s ruby depths was first revealed by whiffs of hawthorn, sage, roasted cherry, vanilla coke, earth and tobacco.  Tasters discovered balanced flavors of black fruit, nutmeg, sandalwood, plums and chalk.  Medium-bodied and silky, the wine had a pleasant finish that ended with a slightly hot tannic note.
Food Friendliness: Try this with grilled pork loin.

$19 Average Value

2003 Domaine de Beaurenard, Raseau, Côtes du Rhône- Villages, France
Summary: Deep purple highlighted by red when swirled, this inviting wine made a favorable introduction with rosemary, black cherry, rum raisin, chocolate and gunpowder aromas.  Flavors of spiced cherry, pecan, marjoram, cola and hazelnut grew increasingly complex over time.  Panelists noted “fantastic balance” and “chewy tannins” until the disappointing finish, when the wine dashed down the throat on a wed cardboard note with a sharp, bitter edge.
Food Friendliness: Food brought out a bitter note, making this wine more enjoyable on its own.

$24 Average Value

2003 Domaine du Vieux Chene, Cuvée de la Haie aux Grives, Côtes du Rhône, France
Summary: A beauty when twirled, this deep violet wine smelled of cherry, rosemary, tinderbox, and blueberry.  A first sip invited another, with flavors of currant, cola, red berry jam, and peppermint.  Strong chewy tannins “managed to hit the right balance,” noted one panelist, but the finish was weak, with an odd wet-cardboard note and a subtle medicinal quality.
Food Friendliness: Food helped tame the tannins. Consider a hearty beef stew.

$12 Average Value

2003 E. Guigal, Côtes du Rhône, France
Summary: Layers of strawberry, leather, caramel and stewed cherry aromas wafted up from this bright ruby wine. Pleasing, balanced flavors of cherry, raspberry, cola, hazelnut, pepper and chocolate drenched the tongue.  Lush tannins threatened to dominate, but moderate acidity helped push them back.  The finish was a tad bitter.
Food Friendliness: One panelist preferred this wine on its own.  Others suggested pairing it with duck, lamb, veal or lasagna.

$14 Average Value

2003 Jean-Luc Colombo, La Pavillon des Courtisanes, Côtes du Rhône- Villages, France
Summary: Consistent and well mannered, this dark red wine greeted panelists with aromas of chocolate covered cherries, spiced plums and cigar box.  Flavors of blackberry, dried strawberry, cherry cola and pepper were balanced by “appropriate acidity” and “silky tannins,” noted scorers.  The “mild, lingering finish” introduced soft mineral accents.
Food Friendliness: Pair this wine with jambalaya featuring spicy sausage.

$20 Above Average Value

2003 Moillard, Les Violettes, Côtes du Rhône, France
Summary: Deep and inviting, this smoky purple offering arrived with sage, pepper, vanilla, and cherry aromas.  Intense flavors of fruit, eucalyptus, strawberry, dry earth and mild tobacco added intrigue.  Balanced acids and solid tannins contributed to a full, round mouthfeel.  The smooth, reasonably complex finish ended with “mouthwatering tannins” and a tobacco note.
Food Friendliness: Beef helped tone down the tannins.

$15 Average Value