2009 Clos des Brusquières, CNdP $40

85% Grenache, 9% Syrah, 6% Mourvèdre

With only eight hectares of vines (40 year old on average) this miniscule, ultra-traditional estate produces tiny quantities of just one wine: no luxury cuvee, no specialty blend, just a stunningly pure and complex Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Owner Claude Courtil is the godson of none other than Henri Bonneau, one of the most legendary and revered producers in the region, and he learned everything he knows about winemaking from his godfather. Henri and Claude share a deeply held commitment to natural winemaking: manual vineyard work, traditional aging in large foudres, and bottling without intrusive fining and filtration.

The 2009 is loaded with dark fruit and spice. It is drinking great right now and will age nicely.

2009 Planal VDP L’Aude , Cuvée Marsellan

From Corbières, in the South of France comes this unique and delicious wine made from Marselan, a highbred cross between Grenache and Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine hits your palate with full dark fruit that melts into long dry leathery tannins. Don’t let the VDP fool you. There is a lot going on here. And, it is only $9.