Domaine Rouge Bleu Saint-Cecile 'Mistral'

Situated in Sainte-Cécile-Les-Vignes, Domaine Rouge-Bleu was founded in 2007, and most of their vines are located in the AOC of Saint-Cecile, one of the newest appellations in the Southern Rhone. Located just north of Chateauneuf-du-Pape, the vines at Rouge Bleu are old, low-yielding, and planted in the classic galets (rounded stones) of the Southern Rhone. Coupled with the Mediterranean climate of long, hot, dry summers and the rot-inhibiting Mistral wind, this is the perfect spot to cultivate vines.

Rouge Bleu's Mistral is the estate's signature cuvee, and it is a classic blend of Grenach, Syrah, and Mourvedre, with just a splash of Roussanne. Less than 1,000 cases are produced annually, and this is aged for 24 months in older French barrels. This aging regimen gives the wine a polish and elegance rarely encountered in Southern Rhones at this price point.

Rich and attractive on the nose, it smells of spiced plum, blueberry liqueur, blackberry, white pepper, cocoa, and coffee. Even better, the palate is packed with smooth and long flavors and fine-grained tannins. With aromas and flavors not too dissimilar to Chateauneuf but coming to you at a fraction of the price, this is a stellar bottle of wine.