2009 Perrin Réserve Côtes du Rhône

According to the label it is 60% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 20% Mourvedre (by the way, I think this is the first time for me to come across a bottle with Mourvedre).  This 2009 Perrin Reserve Cotes du Rhone is very good.

The hue is deep red and at the nose there are lots of blackberries.  The first swirl; I was impressed.  Good balance--the berries are definitely there with perhaps some cherries in the background.  Interestingly the finish is spicy (black pepper).  Tannins are very light on the second go around.  

I like this wine.  I am going to give this one 3.5 stars.  I would purchase this one again; however I think it might be a tad expensive (not the best value).  I paid Y2,100 at the Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store.  On Rakuten it is listed about 10% cheaper at  Y1,890. Regardless, a good wine with an very interesting peppery finish. 
Summary: Full-body, lots of blackberries at the nose; peppery finish 
Rating: 3.5 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y2,100 (Ebisu Gardens, Wine Market Store)
Other Japanese Retailers: Y1,890 (Rakuten website)
USA Retail Price: $12.49
Food:  NA

2009 Clefs des Murailles Vacqueyras

From the Rhone region, the 2009 Clefs des Murailles was quite pleasant.  Although it was difficult to pinpoint distinct characteristics of the wine, everyone seemed to have enjoyed the balance and texture (brought to a dinner with my in-laws).  Personally, I smelled some oak; however others could not. Apparently the wine is 70% Grenache, which surprised me because it did not have that typical berry/cherry taste. My in-laws joked as they recently read my posting about wine glasses and mentioned that perhaps it was the wine glass and nothing else.  


For the price and overall balance of the wine, I am going to give this 3 stars.  I want to try this one again, as I think I might be underrating this wine.   Purchased at Costco for Y980 I think it was well worth the price.  


Summary: Good balance and texture; however distinct characteristics were difficult to identify
Rating: 3 Stars
Purchase Cost: Y980 (Costco)
Other Japanese Retailers: Could not find another retailer with the same vintage
USA Retail Price: $17.99
Food: Rolled cabbage, vegetable tempura, fruit salad, and Japanese rice (lovely food!)  Thank you!