Last night Betsy made pasta with parsnips and pancetta, and a pea/broccoli rabe fricasse. I went downstairs thinking Chianti or Beaujolais (white would work as well, but David prefers red) yet ended up with the 2007 Gonon "Les Iles Feray" (Vin de Pays de l'Ardeche) (I saw it and was reminded of Oswaldo's recent note on the 08). Really lovely Syrah, drinking quite well. Medium bodied, dark berries and a little cassis, woodsmoke, white pepper. Light tannins, lively acids, some structure but friendly. Does fine with this lighter meal, but could handle a steak. Nice length and concentration, clearly Syrah and not Shiraz. B+
Grade disclaimer: I'm a very easy grader, basically A is an excellent wine, B a good wine, C mediocre. Anything below C means I wouldn't drink at a party where it was only choice. Furthermore, I offer no promises of objectivity, accuracy, and certainly not of consistency.