15 Cave de Tain ‘Syrah’ [Collines Rhodaniennes] 13% abv. This is an $8 entry level bottling from the well regarded co-op in the Northern Rhone. I was making a beef stew, and the recipe called for some wine, so half the bottle went in there, and the rest into my gullet. I’ve only had the entry level whites from this coop before and they’re ok. This was better to my tastes. It is purplish, medium bodied, and has a hint of zestiness, verve to it. There is mostly monochromatic peppery, violet flavors here. No real aroma, bouquet but its solid chunky wine, especially for the price. A nice sneak peak at what the 2015 Northern Rhones reds might look like, if simple/little ones like this are so gluggable. I’d give it a B, doubt it will keep, but there’s a lot of bang for buck here, for drinking now.
I’m getting excited to try the bigger 2015 Northern Rhones, which are slowly starting to hit the US shores.