Basic Cotes du Rhone runs the gamut from fair to excellent, and it's definitely one of the best values in red wine, but the best Cotes du Rhone-Villages is something again. This 2009 from the Domaine de la Grand' Ribe is dark, deep and fairly powerful, suggesting an unusally high percentage of Syrah vis-a-vis the Grenache component. Very deep purple in tint, with aromas of predominantly dark fruits with very ripe/baked tones, plus hints of garrigue/savory herbs. The flavors are intense and consistent with the nose, the palate feel being medium to medium+ in body and highly concentrated. Very long on the finish. All the aspects suggest that this stellar value should be aerated/decanted or cellared for a year or so. Over recent vintages the silver and gold medals have rained upon this wine, and lovers of the wine of this region will recognize that 2009 was an exceptional vintage.