2000 Laurent Miguel Saint Chinian

[hotwine]

Single-vineyard Syrah that spends 12 months in new French oak. Deep opaque red in color, with bruised fruit, black pepper and a bit of barnyard on the nose; pure rich fruit across the palate with a moderate finish. Alkie is 13.5%, price was $11.99 at Costco. Very nice with homemade pizza (didn't want to spend one of my few Barbera d'Albas on hand; this worked just fine).

[Innkeeper]

Amazing, we both had Saint Chinians tonight, one with steak and the other with pizza! What a versitile wine!

[hotwine]

It sure is. I need to stock up. Had never had a Saint Chinian before. Found it to be much softer than the normal Languedoc, which can sometimes be overly tannic. Can imagine this one getting even better with some cellar time.

Happiness is finding a new cellar staple.

[hotwine]

Unearthed tonight to pair with BEEF stew. Still passable but definitely beyond its prime. Still have a few more, need to drink up!