Les Dauphins

(2024) A Syrah and Grenache blend, unoaked but given some time to mature in the cellar before release, this comes from the Unions des Vignerons des Côtes du Rhône co-operative. It has lift and vibrancy on the nose, kirsch and violet edging black fruits that are ripe and immediately suggest a juicy pastille quality. In the mouth there robust, sweet and chunky fruit, though the finish does tail off slightly into a slightly sharp astringency that just detracts from an otherwise enjoyable CdR.

Les Dauphins Cote du Rhône Red is the wine we can’t or won’t make in Canada. Well made, easy drinking, ready to drink red that is as pleasant as its price. Slick, smooth, and mouthfilling grenache and syrah spill across the palate spreading black fruit, licorice, and spice. Hamburgers, pulled pork sandwiches, meatballs, or barbecued chicken are the matches. The Union des Vignerons des Côtes-du-Rhône is a growers association that established its cooperative in 1965. With more than 2300 members, the association has a long reach across the Rhône, including a selection of the best villages and crus in the southern Rhône. The benchmark Rhône brand Cellier des Dauphins label is now 55 years old.