*Disclaimer: I received this wine as a sample from Roberts Fine Wines.
I felt like something jut a bit different the other night, so I pulled the 2006 Domaine La Combe Blanche Minervois La Liviniere La Chandeliere from a sample box. An online store, Roberts Fine Wines sent me a couple of bottles from their selection. They carry only small production French wines and the La Chadeliere had a pressed cork, clocked in at 14.5% alcohol by volume, and retails for $24. The wine is a blend of 75% Syrah and 25% Grenache. (Mmmmm, Grenache….)
On the nose I got black cherry, blackberries, black fruit, black currants, pepper, spice, crushed violets, cedar, and chocolate. In the mouth I found black cherry, currants, leather, spice, tart red berries, spice, and pepper. I thought the wine had great acidity and nice tannins. I think I’d serve this with one of my lamb dishes as a substitute for a full on Syrah, just for something a bit different. I always think that I need to expand on my wine experiences and try more French wines, though at the moment my wine budget is all tied up in my wine clubs!
Wannabe Wino Wine Blog 
Grenache is adds a nice smoothness, but have you tried its Spanish equivalent, Garnacha? Spain has some lovely “old vine” wineries, especially in the Calatayud region where Las Rocas is produced. Those old world grapes are the product of centuries of careful cultivation, and it really shows in the wine. Not only are Garnacha grapes turned into their own varietal, but they’re also used to liven up other reds, such as Syrah in this particular case.
[…] In the mouth I found black cherry, currants, leather, spice, tart red berries, spice, and pepper. I thought the wine had great acidity and nice tannins. I think I’d serve this with one of my lamb dishes as a substitute for a full on Syrah, just for something a bit different. See full article […]
I have tried Garnacha!