Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone

Name: Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone
Color: Red
Varietal: Blend (Grenache/Syrah/Mourvedre/Cinsault)
Vintage: 2006
Country/State: France
Region: Rhone
Price: $11
Stars: 4 (out of 5)

The Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone is a red blend from the Rhone Valley made by the Perrin brothers, owners of Chateau Beaucastel, who are renowned for their Chateauneuf du Pape. They also make a very good value wine under the La Vieille Ferme label. We've had several bottles of the white and red versions of La Vieille Ferme and have enjoyed them very much. The 2006 Perrin Reserve is predominantly Grenache (60%), with Syrah (20%), Mourvedre (10%), and Cinsault (10%).

We drank a glass of the Perrin Reserve last night and finished the bottle tonight with a big bowl of chili and rice. It was very good on its own and with the meal. The nose was nice and dark and earthy. The taste was primarily dark fruits, like black cherry, blackberry, and blueberry, but you could also taste the earthy qualities that really give the wine some character. It's an excellent value.

I would like to try the Perrin Reserve side by side with the La Vieille Ferme to see if I can detect any noticeable differences. If not, then we might as well save a few dollars and go with the La Vieille Ferme.