A Kirkland Signature competitor? We review the Richebois Cotes du Rhone Villages available exclusively at Trader Joe’s.
There is little information available on the wine but it is presumable a blend of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre from the Cotes du Rhone Villages appellation in the Rhone Valley of France.
The wine retails for just $7.99 at Trader Joe’s. It is imported by Plume Ridge.
There’s tough competition in the under $10 category for Cotes Du Rhone Villages wine, with the gold standard being the Kirkland Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages from Costco.
This private label example from Trader Joe’s comes from Vignobles et Compagnie, who also produced the Trader Joe’s Reserve Rasteau and the Jean XXII Reserve Chateauneuf-du-Pape, among others. Those are some pretty nice wines, so let’s check this one out!
From the bottle:
2023 Richebois Cotes du Rhone Villages
In the Middle Ages, the Rhone Valley was already widely planted with vines and distributing its recognized wines throughout the old world. Wine was an important source of income.
This area was also the main trade route in Europe. A place of wealth where thieves liked to be hidden in the woods to seize wine shipments for the greatest misfortune of Kings and Popes.
Richebois is dedicated to Rhone Valley’s history. In the Middle Ages, it was the main trade route in Europe and a place of wealth and high level of savoir-faire. Elegant and powerful, Richebois combines aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry and liquorice. A cuvee with a complex and ripe expression. Best paired with prime rib, duck breast fillet, or goat cheese.
Bottled by Vignobles et Compagnie
14.5% Alcohol
The 2023 Richebois Cotes du Rhone Villages opens with a pleasing aroma of dark fruit, a little cedar and cigar box, some dried herbs and a touch of spice. It’s a good start.
Tasting the wine reveals similar flavors to nose on this smooth, medium-bodied wine. It gets better with some air and has nice balance and decent depth. It’s not as good as Kirkland Signature bottling but for $7.99 it certainly works.
A bit of spice hits mid-palate and leads into the dry, long and a bit juicy finish. It was similar on day 2.
2023 Richebois Cotes du Rhone Villages
RECOMMENDED BUY
As always you can find an updated list of our recommended wines from Trader Joe’s as well as more info on their pricing model and some tips and tricks for shopping the store in our giant guide.
You can also find more of our favorite GSM blends here!
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