($15, HB Wine Imports):  As this wine shows, wines from the broad Côtes du Rhône appellation can provide an excellent pleasure-to-price ratio.  A balanced and lively Grenache and Syrah blend, it has good concentration and the oomph you would expect from the south of France.  It displays both spice and plum-like fruitiness, while mild tannins prevent it from being soft.  Here’s an ideal choice for that mid-winter stew.
88 Michael Apstein Feb 9, 2021