Domaine Notre Dame des Pallieres Sablet, 2019

This is neither an old fashioned Cotes du Rhone (which I love) nor a new-fangled one. But it is very good. It's 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah but reminds me of a very good Pinot Noir.

Bright crimson; no sign of new oak barriques. Red berry fruit but more red raspberries rather than strawberries I usually get from Grenache. Syrah black pepper shows up after a few sips...but very elegant. Has the fragrance and silky texture of a Pinot and a long, ripe finish.

I bought this as a "mystery wine" from Garagiste.com ($9+ per bottle). It is not what I expected but actually much better. I would jump at the chance to buy some more.