Tasting - Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone

Name: Reserve Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone
Variety: 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 10% Cinsault
Region: Rhone Valley
Country: France
Year: 2010
Price: $14.95 / 750 mL, $38.95 / 3L

Critic Review:  "As for their other values, the 2010 Grand Veneur Cotes du Rhone Reserve (70% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 10% Cinsault) displays loads of ripe flavors. It is very concentrated for a Cotes du Rhone, and is actually an amazing wine. Classic garrigue, black cherry liqueur, lavender, licorice and spice box are all present in this fullbodied, intense, and rich Cotes du Rhone. This is a sensational effort to drink over the next 4-5 years, although it might last even longer."

My Review: This wine had an interesting aroma of cherries, with a lot of spiciness.  This wine tasted very similar to the smell.  The cherry taste was noticeable, as well as licorice.  This wine was very dry, with heavy tannins.  The spices were very strong as well.  I think this wine would taste a lot better paired with food, in order to balance the strong spicy taste.

I tasted this wine without food.