Michel & Stéphane Ogier (d'Ampuis)

Le Temps Est Venu Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Grenache 2019

8.9

Medium Ruby with aromas of black and red fruits with cedar, floral and spice notes. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and cedar with smoke and tobacco notes. Generous acidity on fine soft tannins with a long finish ending with fruit and spice. Drinking well now! — 4 months ago

Anthony and Paul liked this

El Coto de Rioja

Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2019

Randy Fuller

9.4

It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins are maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 3 years ago

Paul, Tom and 3 others liked this

Penfolds

Bin 389 South Australia Cabernet Shiraz 2002

Bob McDonald

9.1

4 left after this one. Following my plan of having one per year until complete. This has not changed much from 12 months ago. At its peak sitting on the plateau. Notes of dark chocolate, mocha and blackberry - the Penfolds DNA in essence. Tastes a lot younger than 20 years of age. Medium plus bodied with a savoury twist at the finish. 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 46% Shiraz. — 4 years ago

Tom, Shay and 24 others liked this

Ron R

I feel earlier vintages in late 90’s and early 2000’s were very strong in terms of QPR. I don’t buy this any more as I consider it too expensive (in the US) for the experience.

Jamie Lauder

Totally agree with you. Back in the day it was affordable.
Still enjoy drinking it.

Bob McDonald

Yes Ron, sadly that seems to be the experience with all of Penfolds Cuvées. I remember at the Downs Club we sold 2 pallets of the 1990 Bin 389 (still drinking well today) for $12.50 per bottle.

Paul Jaboulet Aîné

Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhone Blend 2016

Amanda Burton

9.1

This might be a contender. — 6 years ago

Paul liked this

Domaine Les Ondines

Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Grenache Blend 2016

Eli Barton

8.9

This wasn’t complex but pretty tasty, very drinkable. — 6 years ago

with Jennifer

Peter and Jason liked this

Joel Gott Wines

815 California Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Kimberly Dobbs

I haven’t tagged a wine in a long time. My friend went to Napa Valley and brought this back to me. It was so smooth it was addictive. It’s a fantastic wine with a good friend who shared it with me. Plan to buy soon for myself. — 8 years ago

with Ian

Trixie liked this

Domaine du Pegau

Plan Pegau Vin de France Red Rhone Blend

Michelle Tracy

One of the best wines I've had in a while — 5 months ago

Gabriel Meffre

"St. Mapalis" Plan de Dieu Côtes du Rhône Villages Red Rhone Blend 2023

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Gabriel Meffre ‘Saint Mapalis’ Côtes du Rhône Villages Plan de Dieu 2023
Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A classic Southern Rhône red blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre (GSM), sourced from the stony, sun-drenched vineyards of the Plan de Dieu appellation within the Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC. This cuvée honors Saint Mapalis, a local figure tied to Rhône’s viticultural heritage.

Aromas & Flavors
Opens with enticing blackberry, plum, and licorice, layered with earthy garrigue and touches of black pepper and spice. A hint of dried herbs and violets rounds out the aromatic profile. On the palate, the wine is juicy and approachable, carrying dark berry fruit through to a smooth finish.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied, soft, and balanced, with silky tannins and a gentle persistence. Shows freshness alongside its ripe fruit core, making it both food-friendly and enjoyable on its own.

Winemaking Notes
Vinified traditionally with careful extraction to highlight fruit and terroir, then aged to round out tannins. Designed for youthful drinking while retaining Rhône typicity.

Food Pairing
Excellent with roast chicken, grilled lamb, charcuterie, and Provençal herb dishes. Its balance of fruit and spice also works well with pizza or casual Mediterranean fare.

Verdict
A lovely value-driven Rhône blend—expressive, soft, and versatile. It feels more expensive than it is and showcases the charm of Plan de Dieu’s terroir. — a year ago