Chateau La Baume 2004 wine review by (PB)

This Rhone wine comes from the appellation called Costieres De Nimes, an area known for its soil comprised of nice round pebbles. When I first swirled this on after pouring I said, “Grenache,” “Syrah” and “something?” Sure enough this blend form the southern east bottom of France is made from 25% Grenache, 25% Syrah, and the “something” I couldn’t tag was Carignane which is half the wine’s volume.

It has a “Grenache” nose of light fruit and a hint of strawberries which reminds me of the Gamay grape. It is quite dry, straightforward and pleasantly fruity. Like so many of the wines of the Languedoc-Rousillon, this is well made and a solid value. I found it at the Freeport Wine and Cheese Shop in Freeport, Maine.

This would be a fine wine to put a bit of a chill on, throw it in a basket with some fresh bread and a lump of good cheese; find a nice scenic spot, throw down a blanket and revel in life. Raise a glass!