2000 Domaine La Garrigue Cotes du Rhone "Cuvee Romaine"

Deep opaque blood-like red with a slight brick rim, suggesting this wine might be at a mature stage. The nose was significantly dominated by raw lamb meat with hints of ripe cherries and damp leather. The palate was more fruit dominant than the nose. An initial burst of marraschino cherry was followed by subtle flavors of black currants and plum, vanilla and musty white pepper. A spicy peppery finish with lingering plum fruit and slightly bitter tannins. This $10 medium modied wine with moderately high acid stood up nicely against pepperoni pizza.