Despite another year with little or no rainfall throughout the southern Rhône, the vines in ’06 received enough nighttime moisture to flourish despite the hot, arid days. Excellent ripening conditions lead to ideal maturity by the very end of a long hot summer. In fact the ’06 harvest was the 8th year in a row for excellent growing conditions, and subsequently, excellent wine in the southern Rhône!

This enticing and affordable blend of 50% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre and 5% Cinsault has a lovely nose that is dominated by juicy black plum, sweet cherry, and warm cassis notes. The palate opens with a broad and scrumptious range of ripe black fruit flavors that are backed by round notes of violet, lavender and creamy hints of dusty, sun-baked stones. This pretty and supple Côtes du Rhône offers elegant weight, ripe fruit and a moderate notes of saddle leather hewn to silky tannins. Serve with braised rabbit, roast pork, lamb shoulder or filet mignon.

—Donald