($13, Plume Ridge): I’m always amazed when a wine takes the trip across the pond, and then across the country, and still manages to deliver great quality for under fifteen dollars. Doesn’t the fuel to get it here cost almost that much?  I jest, of course, but there’s nothing funny about this value leader.  Classic white pepper, black and blueberry, soft spice and added notes of leaf and tar entice your nose, then flood your palate with full translation of aromas to flavors.  Food friendly acidity and moderate 13% alcohol make this a wine for a wide array of dining partners — I’d go for a simple seared sirloin or an herbaceous chicken recipe.  Contains 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Mourvedre.
90 Rich Cook May 5, 2015