This contrasts sweet, juicy plum fruit and firm, spicy tannins with some earthy notes and bright cranberry highlights. Philippe Guigal bases this blend on syrah with grenache and mourvèdre, sourced from his network of 80-some growers and mellowed in barrels for 18 months before release. It’s an impressively structured and complex Côtes du Rhône red. Best Buy

There are an impressive 4.5 million bottles of the 2016 Cotes du Rhone, a ripe, silky wine that should bring pleasure to thousands of consumers. Cherries and raspberries mark the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate adds nuances of cola, tree bark and spice. Often available at retail for under $15 per bottle, it represents a terrific value.

Very brambly, rich and attractive tobacco, red and dark fruit and wild herbs. The palate has richness and an attractive feel with great core flesh and balance. The combination of quality, good value and accessibility here make this quite unique. Drink now.

As with the white, the quality of the basic Côtes du Rhône is more than noteworthy, especially when you consider the quantity produced. From a great, great vintage for the Southern Rhône, the 2016 Côtes du Rhône shows an upfront, sunny style as well as Provençal notes of spiced red and black fruits, ground pepper, and garrigue. Drink this medium to full-bodied, ripe, sexy effort over the coming 4-6 years. It will evolve even longer, if you’re so inclined.