The 2023 Domaine de Marcoux Côtes du Rhône Rouge is the entry point to one of Châteauneuf-du-Pape's benchmark biodynamic estates. It comes from a little over two hectares of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre just north of the Châteauneuf boundary, farmed by the Armenier family the same way as their Châteauneuf parcels: hand-picked, destemmed, fermented in stainless steel with daily délestage, then raised mostly in concrete. See the full Domaine de Marcoux range.
Ripe raspberry, plum and black cherry with violet, black pepper and garrigue, over a salty, iron-tinged mineral line. Medium to full-bodied, plump and creamy in texture, with fine tannin and the freshness that marks the house. Wine Spectator gave it 90 points: "Plump and creamy, with a foundation of salty iron supporting pretty violet, plum and juniper."
Ben's Recommendation:
At Wine More Cellars, this is the Côtes du Rhône we reach for when someone wants Châteauneuf character without the Châteauneuf price. Drink now through 2030; serve slightly cool. Pair with grilled lamb, slow-cooked beef, roast duck, chargrilled vegetables or a mushroom ragù.
