INSIDER'S PICK: 2020 RESERVE St. DOMINIQUE VENTOUX ROUGE 'LE BOURDON' $14.99

The Rhone is probably our favorite wine region for finding diversity in character, even among what should be similar tasting basic or 'value' wines. There are a lot of grape varieties permitted for use, to start with, so you have an almost endless flavor palate to choose from. Add to that the immense geological variations, temperatures, and winemaking styles to bring shading even to the same grape grown all over, like Grenache. This bottling comes to us from one of our long time favorite producers, made from old vine Grenache sourced from the foothills of Mount Ventoux on the eastern edge of the Rhone (still close enough to cast its shadow on Avignon). It's intention is to be made in an approachable easy drinking style but with exceptional quality fruit; and when we say 'easy', we mean eeeaaasssssyyyyyyy. Almost TOO easy. Juicy dark kirsch cherry and soft raspberry with a hint of herb and black pepper to the nose, with the fruit getting more briary on the palate. Initially the texture is mouthfilling and almost Pinot-y soft, but the fine tannins and sense of structure from the older vines come through to give a more savory finish than expected and keep it from feeling weighty. Not overly complex, but never boring, you will want to have this on hand to enjoy with great frequency. ​

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