1998 Chateau de Pennautier Cabardes

[hotwine]

The Cabardes appellation was created in 1999 within the Languedoc, and allows its members to blend their wines with 60% Atlantic grapes (Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot) and 40% Mediterranean grapes (Grenache, Syrah). This wine, from Comte Nicolas de Lorgeril, is far fruitier than is normally characteristic of the Languedoc, which CAN be as musty as a pair of my old boots. It seems thin on the palate initially, but quickly develops a complexity worthy of a much more expensive wine. At only $7.99 locally, it's a "best buy" in my book.