Clusel Roch Cotes du Rhone Les Vergers 2019

While we wish that the complex, lust-worthy Syrah’s of Côte-Rotie could be our everyday wines, we’re far more likely to turn to a producer like Clusel-Roch when we’re looking for a Syrah that will turn heads at a cookout. Because they make a Côtes-du-Rhône from the same vines used for their amazing Côte-Rotie. In other words, this bottle is your ticket to one of the great winemakers of Côte-Rotie at half the price. 

Usually, a Côtes-du-Rhône contains a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. They can be complex, textural masterpieces, but are most often simple, spirit-lifting fruit bombs. This is a different animal altogether. It’s baby Côte-Rotie, full of dense black fruit, spice, and cedar. Don’t sleep on it.