There are a few things about Layer Cake Côtes du Rhône that you’ll notice are different from other Côtes du Rhône wines.  The first thing you’ll notice is that the brand is more Americanized than others.  The name “Layer Cake” is much more contemporary than the names on most Côtes du Rhône wines and the label is a contemporary design.

The second thing that you’ll notice as different is that it has a screw cap.  I have no prejudice about screw caps.  In fact, there are some very good wines that now come with screw caps.

You may not notice the final thing that’s different about Layer Cake, but I’ll tell you… it’s 100% Syrah.  Most Côtes du Rhône wines you’ll find are blends, with Grenache as the dominant grape in Southern Rhone wines and Syrah as the dominant grape in Northern Rhone wines.  They usually have both Grenache and Syrah, and some complementary varieties like Carignan and Mourvèdre.  While this one is all Syrah, it is sourced from four different vineyards around (but not in) Châteauneuf du Pape.

For those of you planning to join me at the wine tasting at Liquor Direct this weekend, this is another wine that will be served.  Here’s what I thought of it.

The nose shows mostly cherry, with undertones of fig, asparagus, vanilla and black pepper.  The palate is rich and beautifully balanced.  Perfect acidity and tannin levels make it lively and soothing at the same time.  The flavors are mostly cherry and berry, plus some mid-palate chocolate and spicy black pepper taking you into the finish.  The length of the finish is decent, although there isn’t much complexity on the finish.  Overall, it’s a great wine for the price.

Wine: Layer Cake
Variety: Côtes du Rhône
Vintage: 2006
Alcohol: 13.5%
Rating: 88
Price Paid: $13.98

Find Layer Cake Côtes du Rhône with Snooth