2009 Domaine de Trevallon

Love it when the Cutting Edge crew stops in for lunch and leaves behind their sample bottle.  This is new to their portfolio.  It's a bit of a "cult" wine with a story.  In my experience wine sells better with a story.

The property has been in the family since the 50s and producing wine since the 70s.  It was originally produced under the "Les Beaux de Provence" AOC but when the rules changed outlawing the 50/50 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon/Syrah, the owners dropped out and now it's just Vin de Pays.  Some table wine for about $70!  Limited quantities.

The other story is that the father was an artist (he passed in 2000), and was friends with that other artist Pablo something, and it is the father's artwork that is on the labels posthumously.

Like I said a good story can sell a wine but in this case the wine sells the wine.  Elegant, complex, long finish, with classic Bordeaux notes of gunpowder.  But with the Syrah it is very approachable.  Also should age well.

2011 Megaphone Ventoux

Old habits die hard.  It's been awhile since I reviewed a wine, and this is more of a plug, but this one got my attention.  Imported by Kermit Lynch with some sort of Vieux Telegraphe pedigree.  You do the research.  I'm too busy fixing dinner.  Paired it with grilled sweet Italian sausage and pepper/onions with a touch of heat.  Maybe more than a touch.  Not a perfect pairing, but no complaints from the crew.

80/20 Grenache and Syrah.  Bold, smooth, and complex.  Like me.

Under $20.

Bon Appetit and Cheers!