Tasting - Charles Thomas Cotes du Rhone

Name: Charles Thomas, Cotes du Rhone 

Variety: 50% Syrah, 40% Crenache, 10% Mourvedre.
Region: Rhone  
Country: France 
Year: 2013
Price: $8.95

Shop Review: "50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre. 56 Ha grwon organically since March 2009(in conversion). Part of the vineyard is plowed with horses. Average age of the vines: 30 years old. Clear ruby wine with overtones of red berry fruits. Round and supple with smooth aftertaste. A good all round red wine for meat courses, poultry and light cheeses. Best drunk now while fresh with good keeping up to 4 years." 
-Vintage Cellar, Blacksburg 

My Review: Strong smoke on the nose; no sweet notes. Pepper and smoke flavors carry over into the taste; some acid. 

Tasted without food.