Domaine Raymond Usseglio & Fils 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape
This wine brings a really nice pretty color, reminds me a little of a Cote Rotie. Bright and vibrant with that subtle lush whitish crap that rounds out the outer part of the wine glass. A little tight nose. Some nice old world light cherries coming through on the palate with nice fresh baked bread. A really nice complete yeast, slightly beer like and slightly toast like. Just nice yeasty goodness. Maybe a little woody cedar cranberry skin as well. Really elegant mouth feel, clean and smooth with beautiful silky old world fruits. Reminds me of a lush gourmet fruit leather. Really nice wine. Some good tannins on the finish with a little dandelion. At $36 this is a little steep but for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape it's a wonderful value in my book. Bravo.
Pairs brilliantly with cheese, crackers, and friends.