Roussillon

Utterly perfect

Domaine la Garrigue

Lunch at les Florets with the family's wines. Rose today, and unfortunately it is not imported. Vibrant pink. Nose of raspberries and strawberries. Perfect balance, with acidity to match the meal. Look at the legs in the photo. Next stop will be the domaine to taste through a flight. 

This evening's flight

Great way to start Bordeaux- Le Wine Bar 19 Rue de Bahutiers, www.lewinebar-bordeaux.com

The point here is that the format allowed a really neat flight of wines to be assembled. If one looks at the bottle list it is extensive. The by the glass list covers the range nicely with some typical examples. 

The owner and staff are involved. The place is just plain fun, with nice food and great wines. Recently had an excellent write up in wine spectator. We absolutely will return. 

Burgundy Night at Farmer and Fisherman

This is what happens when one shops wisely and cellars well. Fabulous older wines; the Chassagne Montrachet is fully mature, caramel colored, and with fabulous tertiary aromas and flavors. Another spot where a buy and hold strategy delivers rewards. Thank you Dick and Doranne. 

Lunch at La Tour des Vents, Bergerac Rouge

So we are here a couple of times in 2005 and it was my first thought in planning this trip. Great lunch and have a nice local wine. So why does this qualify as a "Wines for the rest of us?" Bergerac AOC is east of Bordeaux and St Emilion on the right and left banks of the Dordogne. Cepage is typical for the region. Price is substantially less; this is quality and value. 

This is a clear medium purple with a  touch of color separation at the edges. 

Nose is clean. Fruits are dark red and black, with blueberry in the background. Spicy black pepper. Maybe a hint of red roses. Vanilla. Biggest is the cedar and tobacco/cigar box. 

Tastes follow the nose. Tannin is velvety and softens with time in the glass. Acid and alcohol are medium. Finish is medium long. 

The wine is well balanced and I like it. It is typical for the region. It would not be fair to put it next to the top Classed Growths or St Emilion Grand Cru Classe, but it sure holds its own against the rest. 

Cepage is Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. I am trying to local the percentages, but I suspect there is a good bit of Merlot in this. 

This is an excellent full bodied wine at a very good price. And, it worked great with the meal. 

1970

Fabulous 1970- clear tawny, clean nose of cedar, tobacco, pepper and a hint of dried black fruit. Still well balanced with soft tannins, nice acidity, and a complex finish. This wine has aged well.

Domaine les Aphillanthes

This is a very nice southern Rhone white blend which I would strongly recommend for those who like Viognier. It would be great with a white meat, but I find it good with cheese and a baguette too!

The producer has a nice range of wines, some of which I have tasted and all of which I have enjoyed.