2004 Domaine La Roquète Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Previously $30)

This will probably be the last "best buy" of 2010! This wine is ready to be drunk, full of ripe and very dark fruit, fig confit, cherry, graphite and a touch of bacon fat. Great introduction into the Chateuneuf world!

This is one of those situations that seems too good to be true. The supplier is parting company with this producer and they are liquidating the wine at a much more substantial discount. Also, 2004 is one of those vintages in the southern Rhone that is often overlooked since it was sandwiched between the highly touted 2003 and 2005 vintages. What a pleasure this vintage has turned into for drinking now. Not hedonistic but classic. And that is everything that the Roquete is. It is made by the family behind Vieux Telegraphe (one of my favorite producers) and is the epitome of Rhone. It has gorgeous spice, dark fruit, candied fig and a supple open mid-palate. The wine is beautifully balanced and should pair with the most savory of holiday dishes. Herb roasted turkey, garlic mashed potatoes, rib roast with rosemary and au jus or any leftovers that find their way into the fridge and back out on the table the next day.

excellent

I have enjoyed the Brunier's other wines from CndP and Gigondas, so I was of course going to try this bargain. Loved it. Garnet, with nice clarity. Aromas of flowers, cherries, slight menthol. Agile and complex through a long and delightful finish. Medium body.

Had this on a ski trip to Aspen last weekend. It was a knock out. I still can't believe the price and I bought more of it. Drinking incredible now. Silky smooth and an old-school chateaueuf with a decent amount of fruit but excellent structure. An excellent buy.