October 5, 2012

Steven's choice:
Valréas Côtes Du Rhône

Last night Brandon and I invited Steven* over for wine and cheese. With Wines for the Economy on my mind I asked Steven to bring a blog-worthy, under $15 bottle that I have never had before.
 
I would like to introduce Valréas “Cuvée Prestige” Côtes Du Rhône. If you want a true Rhone flavored wine (medium-bodied, dark fruits, peppery spice) but do not want to spend twenty-five dollars, you are in luck: this $5.99 bottle has a classic Rhone taste that, for the price, will not disappoint even the most fastidious wine snob.
 
Cost: $5.99
 

 
2011 Valréas “Cuvée Prestige” Côtes Du Rhône Villages
 
*Steven, my good friend and neighbor, introduced me to wine in 2007. Before then if someone had two different half open bottles of wine, I saw no reason why he or she could not combine the two into one bottle. Enough said. Not only was Steven patient enough to endure the four months it took to develop my palate, but he was generous enough to share his 1999 Plumpjack with Brandon and I; and his 2000 Duckhorn; and his 2004 Darioush Cabernet, just to name a few. To say I respect his opinions about wine is an understatement.