My favorite French-style quaff stems from the south of France, cote du rhone & vacqueyras & chateauneuf du pape. Lately I've been able to find four great ones, with a couple of them American made rhone blends:

Stephen Vincent 2004 Crimson ($13)
This quaff starts with a ripe nose and a spicy tinge that misleads you as you discover the depth of the jams with the support of the tannins and terroir. The blackberries dance with the blackpepper effortlessly coaxing down the earthiness. Loads of cahracter to boot, its quite good, especially as I enjoyed it with some French/Corsican chicken from my favorite local chefs, Eric and Martine: http://www.bistrolemarseillais.com

Terre Rouge 2000 Mourvedre ($18)
This is a rarity of rarities. It has all the great terroir characteristics of its French origin, without the exorbitant French rate. Unfortunately, it seems its also now very limited, as I could only score a case of it at this writing (021006). It light body is quite misleading, as well as its nose. The palate is rich with smokey earth textures supporting a wonderful dark and delicious jam of bitter cocoa/cherries/truffles/wow. I love this wine so much, I'm hoping to get more as soon as possible, as my shelves can't be without.

Domaine Catherine de Gouel Cote du Rhone Villages 2003 ($18)
This one comes from the incredible coffers of the renown and somewhat persnickety Kermit Lynch line. Its soo good, I can't really start to describe it. Okay, let me collect myself......alors.....the nose has a richness i haven't come across much demanding you linger at that point for awhile. The palate is thick and rich and almost inky with jams and peppers and earthy textures that demand further investigation and exploration. Its also supple and svelte, yet still alive with vim&vigor. This one is one of the nicest CdRs i've ever had.

Domaine la Garrigue Vacqueyras 2001 ($16)
Seems hard to believe, but its true, a good Vacqueyras for less than too much. Its big and dark, from nose to lingering finish. With truffle and anise notes just to start, the palate has a terroir of sun drenched stone brick, a dryness and berry that has significant overtones of cocoa and vanilla. Its lingering finish has an air of menthol and mint that a good smoker can appreciate. I've enjoyed this with not only some beefy burger, but also a delectable fudge brownie; its that good.

anywho, i've been very busy lately with plans for our 20th anniversary celebration as well as the ensuing valentines and South by SouthWest stuff, so I hope to post more soon, as only good things are coming my way now that I've whipped the store some more to accommodate EVEN more wine. My 2006 goal for wine is to have over 1200 selected and delectable wines on the shelf, rivaling the bigger houses of corporate non-local anti-independent persuasion (no chip on my shoulder).

yours,
~dipak