'04 Ermitage du Pic St. Loup

[Innkeeper]

2004 Ermitage du Pic St. Loup Coteaux du Languedoc($12.99 NH Liq Store). Alcohol level: 13.5%. Not knowing what to expect we decanted in 30 minutes early.

The wine is a blend of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvedre. We think it was in that order as the aroma and ruby color suggest that Grenache was in front. It gave plums, and black raspberries, and black currents upfront. The middle included more concentrated fruit, mocha, smoke, a hint of oil, and a little raspy tannin in the complexity. The finish, particularly with food, was long and great.

We matched it with lamb and chicken couscous, and salad. Finished the wine with some chocolate cookies.