Mas du Soleilla Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape Les Bartelles 2006:

This is a dark, full bodied expression of the southern region of France, blended with 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache.  The combination yields a wine that is simply luscious with aromas and flavors of kirsch, dark cherry, chocolate and spice and finishes smoothly.  The vineyard lies along the Mediterranean Sea on the hills of the La Clape Peninsula.  The soil tends to be of calcareous gravel, limestone, and marl.  The wine’s alcohol, at 14.5%, plays perfectly against the fruit and spice.  While I have not located the wine locally, this is one that’ worth every penny if you are resourceful.  It’s priced around $45.  One added note here, the ’07 looks to be just as superb and at a price no more than the ’06.  Either vintage could be enjoyed now or over the next few years.

Montirius Vacqueyras Le Clos 2006:

Montirius has the distinction of being a certified biodynamic vineyard, the soils of which are a mix of chalk, Marl clay and sandstone.  The Le Clos is a classic southern Rhone blend of Syrah and Grenache (50:50) which translates into a muscular wine with dark cherry fruit, aromas of beef and tar, and prominent acidity.  Despite its weight, the wine finishes beautifully with perfectly balanced fruit, acidity and tannins.  Priced in the $30’s and can be enjoyed now or over the next few years.

Quinta de la Quietud, Toro, 2003:

This is one of my favorite value wines from Spain.  The wine is made with Tempranillo grapes and releases waves of dark rich fruit flavors of cassis and raspberry intertiwined with aromas of beef, leather, and smoke.  Supported by a spine of acidity and firm tannins, this wine has it all.  Enjoy this now and over the next year or two.  Priced around ~$30

Domaine de la Mordoree Cotes du Rhone La Dame Rousse 2007:

Here’s a great opportunity to enjoy a value Cotes du Rhone from the superb 2007 vintage.  With 50% Grenache, 40% Syrah and 10% Cinsault, the wine exhibits beautiful scents of plum and black currant, spice and toast.  Priced around $20, this is hard to beat!  Enjoy this now or over the next year.

Tags: biodynamic, Cotes du Rhone, Grenache, Languedoc, Southern Rhone, spain, Syrah, Tempranillo, Vacqueyras