Wine of the Week: Famille Lafage Bastide Miraflors Roussillon Syrah-Grenache 2015

Finding wines where the ripeness and sturdiness are both nailed is a serious treat, especially when they only cost $15 like the Famille Lafage Bastide Miraflors Roussillon Syrah-Grenache 2015. The grapes come from sites where the vines average 55 years old, and the grenache is aged in concrete eggs. The French beauty has a heady nose and endless layers of dark berry, plum, chocolate and meaty flavors melding seamlessly. The finish is remarkably silky and concentrated. It's a great introduction to how tannins can play with and enhance truly delicious fruit. Break out some smoked meats, roasted veggies and/or grilled lamb with this gem.

Available at Heritage, Hennepin-Lake, Andy's (Rochester), East Lake, Lunds & Byerly's, Surdyk's and others.

Bill Ward