I think we are going to have Languedoc as the wine tasting theme for February. Here is an early view of one from my cellar.
Deep garnet purple red. Dark fruit (especially black raspberry) nose with a hint of earthy spice, perhaps cloves? Solid midpalate with nicely integrated and grippy tannins, juicy acidity and purple fruit, mostly ripe plums. Medium to long finish of tingly tannins, more dark fruit, a hint of earthiness and a fleeting flash of heat at the very end. This is a nicely balanced, well-made full-bodied wine that needs some substantial red meat to calm the tannins and allow the fruit to bloom more.
2008 Domaine Boudau, Cotes du Rousillon, 'Le Clos' 15% abv, 80% grenache, 20% syrah
With food: to be continued ... Matched roast beef au jus (french dip roast beef on a bun). The au jus brought out the sweet fruit in this wine beautifully. Nice fruity midpalate with a shorter but fruitier finish. My type of wine-food match.