<h2>There&rsquo;s No Place Like Rh&ocirc;ne</h2><p>The Southern Rh&ocirc;ne is still the thinking person&rsquo;s choice for reds. Blackcurrant (cassis) and plums! One sip and you&rsquo;ll be transported to the Mediterranean tasting in the humble little cellar (caveaux) of a Rh&ocirc;ne wine estate.</p><p>Dark red in color with deep purple hints, this wine (pronounced &quot;Zhahn Behr-TOH, Coat-duh-Roan, coo-VAY Prehs-TEEJ&quot;) exudes a nose of pure ripe blackcurrants and blackberries combined with hints of cherry. The palate is soft and smooth with a suggestion of vanilla, coffee and spicy licorice and pepper. A powerful, fresh and well-balanced wine offering subtle tannins and an appealing finish with excellent length.</p><p>If you are looking for a wine to pair with the heavier dishes you begin serving when the weather turns cold this fall, look no further. With a huge nose of dark fruit, pepper and spice and an even bigger mouthfeel, this incredible blend of 85% Syrah, 10% Grenache, and 5% Mourv&egrave;dre offers gobs of gutsy fruit, very good balance and a long finish perfect for serving with red meats.</p><p>Nine months aging in French and American barrels results in a slightly oaky toasty flavor that works well with barbecued grilled trout and lighter Mediterranean dishes. One sip and you&rsquo;ll be transported to France. Just picture yourself tasting in the humble little cellar (caveaux) of a Rh&ocirc;ne wine estate. Buy today and savor it in your own kitchen!</p><p><strong>Silver, Highly Recommended, 2008 World Wine Championships:</strong></p><p>&quot;Raspberry and pipe tobacco on the nose that follows through on a dryish medium body with mulberry, roasted pepper, and chocolate covered nuts. Finishes with firm chewy tannins and apple seeds.&quot;</p>