Vignobles de la Vallee du Rhone Collection Rhone Cotes du Rhone, 2020

Through the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, I thrived on inexpensive Cotes du Rhone wines. Today, many wines from this appellation have become "modernized," with greater use of small new oak barrels, and the typical price has increased from $5 to $15 or even $20 a bottle This wine, available for $5.99 at Trader Joe's is, for me, a  welcome throw back to the good old days.

Beautiful medium ruby red. Red berry fruit with spice, black pepper and earth Good acid/fruit balance with an inviting after taste. Gets better through the course of the meal. Perfect with pizza.