Collection Rhone Cotes du Rhone, 2020

A few years ago, Trader Joe's offered some very good Cotes du Rhone and Cotes du Rhone Villages wines that I bought regularly. The Rhone selection right now is slim and some do not measure up to my expectations. This Collection Rhone--55% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 25% Syrah--is the exception. It is, in my opinion, a good example of a traditionally made Cotes du Rhone. And it sells for $6.99.

Medium crimson/ruby. Vibrant young fruit with yeasty tones. Red berries, earth and pepper. Rich on the palate, well balanced. Lovely now and will improve over the next three years or so.