Cotes du Rhone Reserve del Puech Vieilles Vignes, 2022

When I saw this wine on the shelf for $8.99 at MegaBev (formerly Russo & Sons) in Grand Rapids, I was hoping it would be an easy drinking, but serious, Cote du Rhone like the ones I enjoyed so often through the late 1980s and early 1990s. Drinking it tonight, I am not disappointed.

Medium dark ruby red. 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 10% Carignan. Syrah elegance showing. Black raspberries, currants, cassis. Rich texture, concentrated flavors. Dark chocolate/black pepper on the fruit driven finish. This is what I expect from a Cotes du Rhone, and it is very hard to find today at this price point.