Dom. La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine 2003

Here's Robert Parker's review of the 2001 vintage - we think the 2003 is pretty tasty as well! (But has not been rated by the Wine Advocate yet).

"Believe me, this wine will shock the bejesus out of you. An 8,000-case custom cuvee (no new oak, just oodles of fruit and character), importer Eric Solomon has hit the bull's eye with this blend of 75% old vine Grenache and the balance Syrah and Mourvedre. A thick, inky/purple color is followed by a knock-out perfume of melted licorice, roasted meats, black cherries, and blackberry jam. This full-throttle, pedal to the metal Cotes du Rhone tastes like a top-flight Chateauneuf du Pape. It is declassified Vacqueyras that the importer convinced this traditionally run domaine to bottle early as well as unfiltered. The texture is opulent, and the wine is an astonishing value. Drink it over the next decade. Ka-boom! This wine held up beautifully for three days without oxidation."
-Wine Advocate 91 Points (2001 vintage)