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Usually some blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre, sometimes with a little Cinsault thrown in. The New World versions are all modeled in some form from the original Rhone versions of Chateaneuf-du-Pape and Cotes-du-Rhones. The Aussies call their versions GSM's, the Americans Rhone-style blends. The Grenache adds lift and ripeness to the blend, the Syrah, depth, dark fruits and the ability to age a bit, the Mourvedre earth and spice. These are my favorite everyday wines because they're generally made to drink right away and the blending of the grapes makes interesting wines for the price. The Cotes-du-Rhones are the least expensive versions ($10-$20) with the New World versions usually in the $20-$40 range. The queen bee of the blend is the CDPs whose prices begin in the 30s and move up quickly from there. Since they come from France, Chateauneufs have good and bad vintages so be cautious when purchasing a bottle. The good years don't come cheap.
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 | 2008 Boekenhoutskloof The Wolftrap, Franschoek, South Africa | RATING: ** |
| 2007 Bodegas Luzon Finca de Luzon, Jumilla, Spain | RATING: ** |
| 2007 Kaena Wine Company Hale, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2006 Dark Star Cellars Soft Shoulder, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2006 Domaine Daniel et Denis Alary La Gerbaude, Cotes-du-Rhone, France | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Domaine de La Mordoree, Cotes-du-Rhone, France | RATING: * |
| 2006 Domaine de la Janesse, Cotes-du-Rhone, France | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Edward Sellers Vertigo, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Mas Foulaquier l'Orphee Pic Saint-Loup, Languedoc, France | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Morgan Winery Cotes du Crow's, Monterey, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2006 Tercero Wines Cuvée Christie, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2006 Vines on the Marycrest Heart of Glass, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Adelaida Schoolhouse Crush, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Anglim Winery Best Barrel Blend, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Beckmen Vineyards Cuvee Le Bec, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Domaine Andre Brunel Cuvée Sommelongue,
Cotes-du-Rhone, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Calcareous Vineyards Tres Violet, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Cass Vineyards Rockin' One, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Domaine des Tours Vin de Pays de Vaucluse, Rhone Valley, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Edward Sellers Le Thief, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Chateau Fortia Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Rhone Valley, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Halter Ranch Vineyard GSM, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Mas de Guiot Grenache-Syrah, Vin de Pays du Gard, France | RATING: ** |
| 2005 Opine Cellars "The Offering", Central Coast, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2005 Villa Creek Willow Creek Cuvee, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: ** |
| 2004 Cass Vineyards Rockin One, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2004 Mas Carlot Les Enfants Terribles, Costières de Nimes, France | RATING: * |
| 2003 Beckmen Vineyards Purisma, Santa Barbara, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2003 Cass Vineyards Rockin One, Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
| 2002 Linne Calodo Cellars "Rising Tides", Paso Robles, CA | RATING: *** |
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**** Outstanding | *** Delicious | ** Enjoyable | * Drinkable
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