Soft, inviting, with ripe fruit (leaning toward the red berry spectrum), notes of herbs and pepper. Very typical Cotes du Rhone and very enjoyable. One of the best Reserve CdR from Perrin that I have tasted and a very good value. Be sure to serve it slightly cool. Tasted July 2012.
$17.49 at SLGA. Another fair, easy to drink, gateway Rhone. One that your "Malbec friends" might tolerate. Lots of spiced plummy and strawberry jammy type things going on - both nose and palate. Mild peppery spice on the medium finish. Little bit lacking in acid and depth, but overall a fair wine. Drink over next 2 years. Tasted Jan '14.