So last night I ventured to...

[goindownsouth]

a very local place called Northampton Wines and Wine Cafe. Working for a law firm, we are fortunate to represent them, so supporting a client is never a bad thing.

www.northamptonwines.com

Not only do they have a wine cafe and full service restaurant, but they also retail a ton of wine, so they are really able to keep prices reasonable.

I went with two other people after work, and the first bottle we opened was a Bodegas Anadas Care 2005 ($23)... The blend of the Syrah, Tempranillo and Grenache were fantastic. A good spiciness that lingered, for sure.

The second bottle was Chateau Lamothe de Hoax ($13).. My first wine from Bordeaux, and I was floored by the clinging flavors, almost honey like. It went amazingly well with the spicy seafood appetizer we had.

The last was a Juan Gil Monastrell ($13)... Another stellar, and highly drinkable Spanish wine. A good bit less spicy than the Bodegas, but still a very, very nice way to end the evening. It paired well with the Belgian chocolate mousse that was passed around the table.

I felt the bottle prices were fair, and despite the $23 tag, I would go back there today and get the Bodegas... All of the wines were stellar though.

Just thought I would share.