Ah, Cotes du Rhone - my favorite cellar defenders, and a key member of my sub-$25 weekday wine rotation. Having had great success with other bottles from the JL Chave Selection lineup, picked up this Mon Coeur for about $24 from my local shop - the blend is 50% grenache, 50% syrah, with the fruit for this wine coming from vineyards near the Chateauneuf du Pape appellation. Stored at 55, popped and poured - maybe about 30 minutes of air prior to drinking.

Visually, a darker medium ruby red.

On the nose, herbs & seasonings at the rim, followed by plums and the usual cherries of grenache. A distinct smokiness, notes of white pepper. As the glass warms and you get further into the bowl - my favorite Rhone scent emerges - that cocoa, baked pastry scent that drives me insane.

On the palate, medium bodied with medium tannins, tempered with a bit of air - my written notes say, "pleasant tannic nibble". Medium high acidity and a high 15% alcohol, but it's barely noticeable - moreso by the final glass as it warms. Flavors of red fruit pastry filling and vanilla, decent finish

The usual notes, familiar flavors and components, all in that wonderful sub-$25 price point that pairs well with a variety of dishes. It's a great CdR, one I'd rate as just a bit better than the St Cosme CdR or Kirkland Southern Rhones (at $15 the Gigondas is hard to beat, though), but still a step below my favorites - Meffre CdR-Villages or Coudoulet. Enjoyable, will continue sampling the rest of the Chave Selection line!