The second wine of the 44th tasting was the opener in the Rhône series.  From the broader AOC, Côtes du Rhône came this little number that runs $18 and provided us all with great pleasure.  Medium ruby/garnet colored, and a high viscosity (14.5% ABV).  The nose had medium intensity aromas of stewed strawberry, black cherry, black pepper, funk, compost, sage and garigue.  The palate was dry, with medium (-) acidity, a medium (+) body, and medium tannins.  Medium intensity flavors of black pepper, tobacco, ashtray, black cherry and funk led to a medium length finish.  The tasting group enjoyed this entry-level grenache blend and I gave it 90 points on a technical scale, 14 on our tasting sheet.  For the price- it gets 5 stars.  Drink till 20230.   Salut….