A few things from this past week:
2011 Pierre Gonon Vin de Pays de l'Ardèche Les Iles Feray
Romantically corked
2001 Clos du Mont Olivet Chateauneuf du Pape
This is what I look for in Chateauneuf. Red fruit, herbs, leather in perfect harmony with gentle tannin and just middle weight on the palate. Deliciously drinkable. Held up well the second night.
2011 Franck Balthazar Côtes du Rhône
Consistent with my prior bottle - lots of black pepper and meat. Great value