A merger of green bell pepper and black olive complementing berry, earth and a hint of candied cherry give this Carignan, Grenache, Syrah blend a surprisingly subtle nose.
The palate is austere up front but features a luscious, mid-palate burst of juicy berry and a medium length, acid-driven finish. The sandy tannins and high acid give this wine a coarse, rugged aspect as it evolves in the mouth that would be nicely tamed by a good meat stew.
Very South-of-France, a good value wine if you’re in the mood for ecclesiastical severity–which I am tonight, so I enjoyed it.
Score: 87
Price: $13
Alc: 14%
Ecclesiastical severity can be lovely. The Cathers, a Gnostic sect of the middle ages based in the Languedoc, believed the Old Testament God was Satan—and made beautiful music.
Exploring the Philosophy of Food and Wine 