2005 La Font du Vent Notre Passion Cotes-du-Rhone Villages

From the owners of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape estate Domaine Font de Michelle comes this thrilling Cotes-du-Rhone from Font du Vent, their new estate near Tavel. Though it’s technically part of the Cotes-du-Rhone appellation, the owners work the estate like a Chateauneuf vineyard. The wine itself is half Syrah and half Grenache, and in its power and grace, it’s more like a younger brother of Chateauneuf than a typically rustic Cotes-du-Rhone. Spicy and lush with the flavors of dark ripe berries, this juicy red brings the character and grit of the Rhone Valley straight to the table.

This is the kind of rouge you can break out for any occasion. Serve it with charcuterie and cheese, with grilled magret or lamb chops, with a flat iron steak charred on the barbecue.

--S. Irene Virbila

Quick swirl

Region: Rhone Valley.

Price: About $15.

Style: Rich and full-bodied.

Food it goes with: Charcuterie, grilled duck breast, lamb chops or flat iron steak.

Where you find it: Larchmont Village Wine, Spirits & Cheese in Los Angeles, (323) 856-8699; and Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 769-4639, www.winex.com.