Domaine de Font-Sane Cotes du Ventoux, 2006

Font-Sane's Cotes du Ventoux is one of my favorites year after year, and this 2006 is particularly fine. It's a deep ruby color with compact fruit smells--blueberries, garrigue, Syrah black fruit and spice. There is also a backward purple flower touch that is similar to what you'd expect from the very good Font-Sane Gigondas. This inexpensive wine ($8 to $10) is fruity but full bodied with a firm tannic structure; it has the strength and depth of a higher appellation. Flavors cling to the palate on the finish suggesting that this 2006 will continue to give pleasure over the next several years.