Cotes du Rhone Rouge Reserve 2016

Intro: This 2016 vintage of the “Réserve” from Château des Tours (managed by Emmanuel Reynaud) represents the estate’s high end expression under the Côtes du Rhône appellation. The vineyard practices old vine Grenache with Syrah and Cinsault, late harvest, and organic/manual labour, producing wines of depth, finesse and considerable ageing potential. Although labelled as Côtes du Rhône (a regional appellation), Château des Tours uses terroir and methods on par with top Southern Rhône Crus, underlining the prestige of this 2016 “Réserve”.

Region: Rhône Valley || Winery: Château des Tours

Grapes: 65% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Cinsault

Aging: Aged around 18 months in old large oak foudres

ABV: 14.5% || Decant: 30–60 minutes || Serving Temp: 16-18°C

Pairing: Roast duck breast with berry or plum jus; venison or other game in a wild mushroom and herb sauce

Tasting Notes: The 2016 Côtes du Rhône Rouge Réserve, Château des Tours shows a deep ruby color with developing garnet hues. The nose reveals red and dark berries, rose petal, saffron, pepper, garrigue, and subtle leather notes. Medium to full bodied, it’s generous yet balanced, with plush Grenache fruit, Syrah structure, and a Cinsault lift. Silky tannins, bright acidity, and mineral undertones lead to a long, elegant finish. Now beautifully drinkable yet still evolving