Halos de Jupiter Costieres de Nimes 2015

The second wine from my recent trip to Total Wines is Halos de Jupiter Costieres de Nimes 2015. Costieres de Nimes is the southernmost wine growing region in the Rhone valley of France. The region has a Mediterranean climate with sea breezes due to its proximity to the coast. The region predominately produces red wines with lesser amounts of white and Rose.

As with most Rhone red wines, this blend is predominately Grenache. However, there is no Syrah or Mouvedre and the blend is actually 80% Grenache and 20% Carignan. North Americans may not know Carignan but it is one of the most grown grapes in France where it is usually blended with other grapes. If Carignan is grown in the US., it is usually is a component of a low priced box wine.

This wine has a medium dark red color and the aroma tells you it is a Rhone blend before the first sip. It is medium bodied and has the usual rhone flavors of cherry, dark cherry, dark berries and a little cola. However, this wine also has flavors of spicy herbs and cedar. All of these flavors really complement each other and I really like the result. I thought the finish was long lasting.

The wine has 15% alcohol. Total Wines usual price is $13.49 and I paid $10.79 with my coupon.

SC Wine Joe rating = 90 points

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