2009 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila Haut

2009 M. Chapoutier Les Vignes de Bila Haut

I served this Cote du Roussillon wine at a dinner party last week and a friend commented that this was the best wine she’d had in recent memory.

In the glass, it’s inky black and super pretty.  On the nose, this Grenache / Carignan / Syrah blend is bright with lots of spicy, ripe cherries.  In the mouth the juicy cherry continues.  This wine is rich and opulent with notes of coffee, dark chocolate and plum.

Wine Spectator:  87 points.

Around $12.

2008 Montes Alpha Syrah

2008 Montes Alpha Syrah

2008 Montes Alpha Syrah

If you’re into a smoky, spicy, leathery, big, full-bodied wine, this 95% Syrah and 5% Viognier winner is for you.

I was given this bottle to sample and really enjoyed it.  I look forward to stocking up on it as it’s an affordable, crowd-pleasing wine.

Wine Spectator rated this Chilean wine 90 points.

Around $20.

2007 Alta Vista Atemporal Blend

2007 Alta Vista Atemporal

2007 Alta Vista Atemporal

I selected this wine for a ‘blends’ tasting last week since it’s 43% Malbec, 36% Cabernet Sauvignon, 11% Syrah, and 10% Petit Verdot.

The 2007 Alta Vista Atemporal is just about the darkest purple wine you’ll find and it’s gorgeous to look at in the glass.  The nose is light upon uncorking but decanting for 30 minutes enhanced the bouquet and brought out some notes of spice and black cherry.  This Mendoza, Argentina wine was aged for 12 months in French oak.  The taste is floral from the Malbec, smoky from the Syrah and with some light tannins from the Cabernet.  The finish is long and enjoyable.  Good buy at the price point.

90 Points by Wine Spectator

Around $15.