2012 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée, France, Rhone, Wine Review
From Magnum. Deep garnet in color, partially opaque and bright. The nose is clean and very nice with black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper, black olives and roasted herbs. Medium to full bodied. Great energy and balance. On the palate, this is not yet at peak (maybe it is for a 750ml) but close. Light tannins. Great black cherry fruit with some black olive and black pepper. Long finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It would work well with a Beef Stew. Drink over the next five to eight years.
2009 Domaine Paul Autard Châteauneuf-du-Pape, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This is their basic CdP. Deep garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose has black cherries, slight roasted herbs, slight black olives and black pepper. Medium bodied. Light tannins. Good acidity. On the palate, black cherries and cherries with some black pepper and slight char. Good finish. This seems to be at peak but should drink at the level for another five years. Better with food. This would work well with roasted squash.
2010 M. Chapoutier Châteauneuf-du-Pape Croix de Bois, France, Rhone, Wine Review
2018 Alain Jaume Côtes du Rhône Rosé Reserve Grand Veneur, France, Wine Review
I was pleasantly surprised to see this was still drinking well. Salmon/orange in color, light but clear and bright. The nose has some watermelon and strawberries. Light bodied. Nice texture. On the palate, there is still some fruit left but no off notes and very refreshing. It should have been consumed a few years ago, but no reason not to drink up now. Probably better with some lighter appetizers.
2020 Château Fortia Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée du Baron, France, Rhone, Wine Review
This is a blend of 45% Syrah, 45% Grenache and 10% Mourvedre. Purple in color with ruby hues, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is earthy with black cherries, black raspberries, spices, dried lavender and a bit of roasted herbs. Medium bodied. Nice texture. Good acidity. On the palate, this is drinking well. Flavors of black cherries, black raspberries, black pepper and spice. Long finish. This is nice on its own but better with food. It worked nicely with Lasagna. Drink over the next ten to fifteen years.
2023 Ferraton Père & Fils Côtes du Rhône Samorëns Rosé, France, Wine Review
This Rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Syrah from the Rhone Valley in France. Light pink in color, clear and bright. The nose has cherries, strawberries and raspberries. Light bodied. Good balance. On the palate, this is accessible and drinking well. Flavors of Strawberries and Raspberries with good acidity. It is nice on its own but better with food. It worked well with a white pizza with asparagus. Drink over the next year or two. Excellent value.
2022 Tablas Creek Patelin de Tablas, USA, California, Paso Robles, Wine Revivew
This is a blend of 54% Syrah, 29% Grenache, 13% Mourvedre, 3% Counoise, and 1% Terret Noir. Ruby in color with some purple hues, mostly clear and bright. The nose has black raspberries, black cherries, cherries, plums and spice. Medium bodied. Juicy acidity. On the palate, this drinks easy. Flavors of black and red raspberries, black and red cherries, plums and spice. Moderate finish. This is nice on its own and very food friendly. A great choice for pizza or burger night. Great value for an everyday drinker.
2023 Bieler Père et Fils Côtes du Rhône Villages La Jassine, France, Wine Review
This is a 60/40 blend of Grenache/Syrah from the Rhone Valley in France. Ruby in color, mostly opaque and bright. The nose is dusty with black cherries, spice, roasted herbs and slight black raspberries. Nice texture. Medium tannins. Moderate acidity. On the palate, black cherries, anise and char. Good finish. A nice wine for casual drinking that won't break the bank. It is nice on its own and will work well with most (not seafood) foods. A nice choice with a pot of Chili on a fall afternoon. Drink over the next five years.
2021 Château Sainte-Eulalie Minervois Plaisir d'Eulalie, France, Languedoc, Wine Review
This is a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Carignan organically grown grapes from the south of France. Purple/ruby in color, mostly clear and bright. The nose has cherries, black raspberries, slight floral note and slight spice. Medium bodied. Good balance. On the palate, this drinks easy. Black raspberries, cherries with some spice. Good finish. This drinks well on its own and will work with a wide variety of foods (not seafood). A great choice for Pizza night. Great value.









