Pairs with: Venison stew

Good for: A moment of reflection on life's rich pageant

Grape: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre

I am from: Côtes du Rhône

The Story: Michel Bernard comes from a family of winegrowers who have been working near the city of Orange since the 17th century. “Ménagers” (farmers) until the end of the 18th century, his ancestors became winemakers after the French Revolution, in 1794). With his wife, Dominique, they took over the family estate in 1971 and have continued to improve and develop it since. Today, their daughters, Amandine and Estelle, have joined them on the estate, continuing the family tradition. They represent the 11th generation of the family working on the estate. Their plots of Châteauneuf-du-Pape are located partly between the city of Orange and the village of Châteauneuf-du-Pape on alluvial terraces of rolled pebbles and red clay.

Why You'll Love Me: Pouring a luminous ruby red, this wine shows beautiful aromas of ripe red fruit (currant, blackberry) with some spicy and vanilla notes and a hint of violet. On the palate, it's richly complex and well-balanced with beautiful, well-integrated tannins. On the finish, there's ripe red fruit, some vanilla and just a hint of truffles.

WE: 93