A pair of Rhones

[joeyz6]

2000 Cave de Rasteau Côtes du Rhone Villages
Lovely dark red. An unusual odor just after opening the bottle, which initially turned me off. But that subsided quickly. Light fruit and a strong scent of licorice, along with some spice. This wine has a great balance; plenty of fruit to go along with significant spice and tannins on the finish. I imagine this could improve for a few more years, so I took a few home at Christmas.
Rasteau is a commune near CdP in the South Rhône, for those who aren't familiar with it. Mainly old-vine grenache, plus some syrah and mourvèdre. 4.50 euros before it made the Guide Hachette, 6.50 after.

2000 La Piade Vinsobres Côtes du Rhone
Very recognizable by the illustration of a huge wild boar, which dominates the label. A thin layer of unripe fruit and earth on the nose. Some fruit on the tongue, which quickly trails off into earth flavors. Too young at this point. After a couple of hours it opened up, though. And it was versatile; I drank a glass or two with cous-cous merguez, which brought out some spice in the wine. A couple sips were left over for dessert, a fruit & rum cake, and it did quite well with that too.
5.50 euros; grenache and syrah.