2017 Comte de Lauze -- Châteauneuf du Pape -- Rhone Valley, France Perfect when paired with tomato

Perfect when paired with tomato and basil bruschetta

On a September rendezvous at a somewhat midpoint between our two houses

so this reasonably priced

which makes the color a deep

Very moderate use of new oak merely amplifies the plush dark cherry

2017 Comte de Lauze -- Châteauneuf du Pape -- Rhone Valley, France Perfect when paired with tomatoAnne Fourcher has owned Domaine Comte de Lauze (pronounced like the home improvement store) since 2004. Also the winemaker, she strives to produce wines that recall the Chateauneuf du Ppes made prior to Robert Parker and his penchant for very ripe, extracted, oaky and alcoholic reds. Her North and East facing, stone covered vineyards of old vines get less of the increasing afternoon heat, resulting in longer hang time that builds complexity while not