Guillaume Gonnet, Côtes du Rhone (France) 2022

 Owner and winemaker of his family’s Châteauneuf du Pape estate since 2006, ‘Guillaume Gonnet’’ was created as a separate line of Rhone wines by Guillaume and his Australian wife Kelly.  Their 2022 Cotes du Rhone is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from vineyards said to average 40 to 45 years old.  Fermentation is by native years and the wine is aged for 12 months in concrete vats.  It comes across as a stylish, approachable red with pretty aromas of black cherry and a hint of lavender.  Elegant and harmonious, it offers lively berry and spice flavors, suggesting it is best enjoyed over the next year or two.  It is a Rhône that can be chilled and be a crowd pleaser, picnic wine during warm summer days.