Domaine “La Garrigue” Côtes du Rhône Cuvée Romaine 2013: Dark, inky purple color; blackberry, plum, lavender, dusty nose;
ripe, earthy fruit bomb of black cherry, wild berries, black currant tang, licorice, leather; medium-full body, chewy tannin. Classic Provencal effort: 65% grenache, 25% mourvedre, 10% syrah aged in concrete with rustic elements that relax with air, but this remains tasty and gnarly several hours into air, likely the result of green stems included in the fermentation. This may not be your style, but it should be one you give at least a taste because there are elements to like. It is not style I could savor every night; it is one I can appreciate for its change of pace and burly attitude, and I am not alone. Robert Parker: “Another wine looked after by Philippe Cambie, it has been a consistent winner in every vintage I have tasted, and the 2013 is again an outstanding effort.” Tasty for some, may not thrill others who cling to smooth and tame, worth a pour to push the edges of your palate. $17