Heritage Des Caves des Papes, Cotes-Du-Rhone ($11)

France

Its not often a good bottle from France is moderately priced however this selection truly impressed me. I had no information on the wine prior to buying and the only insight was from one of the wine store’s associates feeling the same as I did…”for eleven bucks, its worth trying.”

I can’t help but like various blends as mentioned in past postings and this one was quite nice complementing our dinner of grilled pork tenderloin, sauté pea pods & baby bella mushrooms & summer tomatoes w/ mozzarella over garlic toast. Sounds good enough to have again tonight with the rest of the bottle!

At first the aromas seemed a bit unpleasant yet after a few swirls in the glass, it began to open up with an earthiness accompanied by a woody scent. A subtle musty and green moss hint was present along with a slight anise tone. I know it sounds like a lot of smells but it really wasn’t that overpowering.

On the taste, a definite fruit forward flavor of blackberries and cherries was present with an faint oaky sensation on the mid palate. The wine finished with an nice spice and hint of smokiness. In general I’d say the vintage was well balanced, medium body with pleasant tannins and very easy drinking. Almost a lighter wine than I would have thought prior to opening.

For those of you curious, the wine is comprised of 3 classic grape varietals from the Rhone region in France. 70% Grenache (which holds the fruitiness), 25% Syrah (which brings on the spiciness) and 5% Mourvedre (which softens the wine).

This is one of the best deals I’ve found in a good French wine.

Joseph Phelps, Le Mistral 2005 ($35)

Monterey county, CA

I first tried this wine a few years ago at a somewhat high priced steakhouse. It was priced, as most restaurant wine prices are, at higher than retail yet I couldn’t complain as it was moderately priced (around $75), compared to everything else at well over $100. Upon the server’s recommendation and after asking for their choices in red blends, I decided to try it. At the time, I remembered it to be a very nice, well-balanced wine, which accompanied our steaks perfectly.

Created in the style of a Rhone wine from France, the blend consists of the following grape varietals:
59% Syrah
23% Grenache
8% Carignane
5% Petite Sirah
5% Alicante Bouschet

Fast forward a few years now as I found this on the shelf of a local wine shop (Total Wine). I was curious to see how the current vintage (’05) was compared to what I had a few years back. Sorry, I don’t remember that vintage year. Once again, this proved to be quite nice and I probably should have grabbed a few more bottles to hang onto. I’m hoping the store has more ’05 when I return.

With subtle scents of leather, black pepper and ripe strawberries it suddenly brought me back to the wonderful steak dinner I originally had with this wine. The taste encompassed blackberries, cocoa and a hint of peppery-spiciness. On the finish you’ll find a pleasant, silky mouth feel making this a medium to full bodied wine. In my opinion, this wine is definitely ready to drink and may be cellared for 1-3 years more. The 2006 vintage is released now yet I haven’t had a chance to try it.

Enjoy with your next NY strip or rib eye on the grill this summer.

Stephen Vincent Crimson, 2006 ($11)

Petaluma, CA (Sonoma)

I can’t help to say that this wine was bought on a complete whim! In the store, it was in the same area of other red blends, which are my current favorites to try. I thought, why not try this one given its description and price point. I’ve been back to buy a lot more!

“Crimson” is made in the style of a French Rhone blend, yet made in California. The aromas are pleasant suggestions of coffee, roasted nuts and toasty oak. A combination of 75% Syrah and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, from the Sonoma and Central Coast growing regions of California, make this a new favorite of mine. Blackberries, plum and toasted oak are the predominate flavors. A silky-smooth finish, with soft tannins bring together flavors of licorice, cocoa and a moderate tartness leaving you wanting more. I’ve also had the 2004 and it was equally good and consistent to the ‘06.

Since I found this at an independent liquor store, here is a way to find this wine near your home. Stephen Vincent Crimson


SOMETHING NEW!
I am starting something new with my postings and would like to share with you some other wine blogs I follow. Please check these folks out as they have some great news to share as well. I’m not saying leave me…just see what else is out there and you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Today’s blog pick is Good Wine Under $20.
With a name like this, how can you go wrong?  But seriously, Deb Harkness has been doing this for awhile and she definitely intrigues me with her writing and knowledge.