Country: France / Abélard
Variety: Rhône-style Red Blend Rhône Valley
Winery: Chêne Bleu / Vin de Pays de Vaucluse
From a new winery that’s bottle-aging its wines prior to release, this is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah. Because the vineyards straddle multiple appellations, it carries a modest Vin de Pays de Vaucluse label, but this is serious stuff. It’s dense and creamy in texture, with a long, velvety finish and flavors of chocolate, black olive and dark plum. Drink now–2020.