This is a $25 wine in a $12 bottle, as good a bargain as we’ve tried in months. Terrific ruby color. The nose shows cherries, unsweetened chocolate, violets, and the tiniest hint of licorice. On the palate, the stems included in the fermentation add earthiness and brambles to overriding red fruit, cherries and raspberry. Licorice comes back on the mid-palate. Mild smooth tannins give structure to a velvety mouth-feel. Drink with duck confit or other dark meat poultry. DBH
Who: Domaine LaFage
What: Grenache Noir
Where: France, Languedoc Roussillon
When: 2012
How Much: $12 (media sample)