Interestingly enough, they make a 100% grenache wine called the (2005) St. His 2004 Neiman Cellars Napa Valley Red is a blend of 1/3 Cab Sauvignon, 1/3 Merlot, & 1/3 Cab Franc. Sadly Pam was not there, but her 2005 Cab Franc & 2004 Cab Sauv were. This could help to make events of this size more manageable. don't know. MORE >>

Rather it was a 2004 (I think) Recanati Reserve Cabernet Franc. It is used in blends (often with Rhone varietals such as grenache & Syrah) to add color to red wines. This was the 5th year that this event was held and there seem to be more wines each year.  Merlot, Cab, Syrah - been there done that. very exciting and UNUSUAL blend. MORE >>

The base of most however is Grenache, often blended with Mourvedre, Syrah, & Cinsault. At that tasting we tasted through some 2004's and 2005's. This blend of 45% Roussane, 30% Grenache, 15% Clairette, & 5% each Bourboulenc & Picpoul (please don't ask me to pronounce these unusual varietals). quick note about CDP. MORE >>

Mostly Carignan, with some Grenache and Syrah thrown in, the 2005 Domaine des 2 Anes Corbieres Fontanilles was smooth and supple, ripe and complex. We then enjoyed the 2004 Le Raisin et L'Ange Fable with BrooklynLady's hangar steak and my cassoulet. Among the various goodies we sampled that evening was a confit of duck leg. MORE >>

In addition to Mourvèdre, Cinsaut and Grenache are also widely used, and Syrah and Carignan can be included in smaller amounts, up to 10% individually or up to 15% when they're both included. 2004 Domaine du Gros' Noré , $32. 2004 Domaine de la Tour du Bon , $29. The dollar sucks and my daughter is only 1 year old. Why Bandol? MORE >>