Friday Sips

From an outstanding Châteauneuf-du-Pape producer that recently changes its name from Cuvee de Vatican, the vines for this wine are located right on the frontier of the region and honestly will open some whoop-ass on many higher priced versions. Vintage 2012 is just starting to arrive for the best wines and it is one of fine quality and that being said, across the spectrum, the wines of the Southern Rhone are terrific.

Hefty aromas and flavors but without any shortage of freshness or vibrancy. Savory as all get-out; ample currant, fig, black truffle and white pepper. Mouth-filling texture that seemingly can be sliced with a knife!! Layered, fanning out, long finish. Lovable now and over the next 5-6 years.

For around 10 years now, Mas de Boislauzon has become quite the trendy name to go to for Chateauneuf-du-Pape, especially since they have been receiving monstrous scores. Alas, this has also caused wines to sell out very quickly and to become very expensive. Fortunately for us, they still have remained very reasonable with their Cotes-du-Rhone Villages wine that is quite a score for 20 bones.

2011 is classic with streamlined aromas and flavors of pure galet rocks in the driver's seat. Wild spice, black licorice, sun-kissed red raspberry and cherry, rose petal and cracked white pepper join the party and offer a wave of pleasure that take off in the mouth and leave you wanting to reach for another sip!

Located just across the river from Châteauneuf-du-Pape, many Rhône players have known for eons the superb price/quality rapport of Lirac's wines. In fact, we are now seeing a number of famous Châteauneuf producers such as Domaine de Marcoux and Pierre Usseglio obtain holdings, vindicating the potential of the area's terroir.

For many years we have featured Domaine Lafond's Tavel Rosé and their fine Côtes-du-Rhône. Like the previous 2 entries, this estate also produces very impressive Chateauneuf-du-Pape. Domaine Lafond's spécialité de la maison, the Lirac Rouge is done with a prototype Rhône blend of 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah, 5% Carignan and 5% Mourvèdre and is a formidable mouthful of Red Rhone goodness that's even more prominent due to the stratospheric 2010 vintage.

Deep, broad and serious, a nose of lavender, thyme, hot rocks, blackberry, black licorice and pronounced rosemary notes follow through to rich, structured ripe flavors of kirsch and blueberry along with dusty earth undertones. Brilliantly focused with long expansive finish, enjoy this Lirac now over the next 5-7 years with hearty meals such as grilled rack of lamb.