Reserve del Puech Cotes du Rhone, 2022

Cotes du Rhone wines were eminently drinkable and affordable in the 1980s and 1990s. Times have changed and it is now hard to find a CDR for less than $15. I found this Reserve del Puech for $8.99 at MegaBev  (formerly Russo's) in Grand Rapids, and it satisfies my longing for the wines of yesteryear.

Medium deep ruby, bright and clear. 60% Grenache and it shows its face: strawberries, red raspberries, ripe cherries. 30% Syrah for color, body and weight. 10% Cinsault for that spicy, peppery flavor. Ripe enough to drink easily with no hard edges. Enough acid and tannin for structure and complexity. For the price, I should have bought more.