Thanks, and welcome to FT by the way! I think I had enough CDP over the past six weeks (maybe 20 to 25 bottles) that I've finally satisfied myself as to my original question. Of all that I tried (and can remember) I think Vieux Telegraphe and Usseglio were probably my favorites. Didn't particularly care for Charvin or Marcoux, which came highly recommended by my local wine seller. Along the way had maybe 5 or 6 Gigondas, which were okay, not special, and a Vacqueyras which I couldn't drink. Seems to be a fine line with these wines between great and crap.

Turning next to Bourgogne Blancs. I've never been much of a white wine fan, but recently I ordered a Saint Aubin 1er Cru en Remilly (by mistake actually) and I'll be damned if it wasn't great. Definitely sparked my interest in those wines. We had had a CDP blanc and a Condrieu along with the other Rhone wines, and neither did a thing for us.