2006 Domaine Durand "Les Côteaux" Saint-Joseph (Previously $24.99)

90 points Robert Parker: "The outstanding, dark plum/ruby-colored 2006 St.-Joseph Les Coteaux reveals sweet, gamy, black cherry and black raspberry fruit as well as hints of cassis, licorice, and pepper. Lush, succulent, and medium to full-bodied with no hard edges, it should drink nicely for 5-7 years." (04/09) Domaine Durand is a family owned domaine run by brothers Eric and Joel Durand. The estate is comprised of 13 hectares of syrah vines, 8 of which are located in Saint-Joseph, and 5 hectares in Cornas. On these predominantly granitic slopes, and in the hands of these two talented brothers, the noble syrah grape finds fantastic expression. The 2005 Saint-Joseph "Les Coteaux" comes from select vineyard sites planted in the southern end of the appellation near Châteaubourg. After a manual harvest, the grapes undergo a cold maceration, followed by a 15 to 21 day vinification. The wine is then aged in casks of 225 and 600 liters for 12 months before bottling. "Les Coteaux" is chock full of crushed red fruits, spice and damson plums. The tannins are fine and supple, which facilitates this lovely Rhone to be consumed now and over the next few years with grilled quail, duck or leg of lamb. What a lovely example of northern Rhone syrah from Saint-Joseph. 13%abv.