2008 Domaine Charvin Châteauneuf-du-Pape

Wine Spectator 92 points: "This is on the red fruit side of the spectrum, with cherry, currant and pomegranate notes, but they're well-stitched, with nicely grippy tobacco, mineral and spice notes that add length on the finish. Well-knit for the vintage. Best from 2012 through 2020."

"The 2008 Chateauneuf du Pape is a sexy, medium to full-bodied effort with far more depth, richness and seductive powers than most Chateauneuf du Papes in this vintage. And in his book, "The World’s Greatest Wine Estates", Robert Parker said Domaine Charvin “may indeed produce the Richebourg of Chateauneuf du Pape---for a very reasonable price”

Vivid, lively red color and perfumed bouquet greats you. Ripe red berries and cherry, with a sexy floral aromas. On the palate sweet raspberry and cherry flavors with a touch of baking spices and  licorice. Lingering, silky finish. Showing refined complexity right now but this is also balanced to age.

PAIRING: Steak - Lamb and Meat Stews

REGION: France - Rhone

VARIETAL: 85% Grenache - Mourvedre - Syrah - Vaccarese

PRICE: $35 - $50