2014 Domaine Isabel Ferrando, "Colombis" Chateauneuf du Pape

We've seen the first glimmer of foliage change. I personally love this time of year. Cool mornings followed by warm afternoons make for a much more enjoyable grilling experience than the blistering heat of August. In fact, I grilled three times this weekend!

Yesterday was my favorite of the three days: sweet corn, bison burger with caramelized onion on a brioche and, to bring it all together, the 2014 Isabel Ferrando, "Colombis" Chateauneuf du Pape.

Made from 100% Grenache from 60 year old vines, this beautiful CDP is deeply expressive. Redefining the Rhone, Isabel Ferrando's wines "are a more elegant, Burgundian take on Chateauneuf du Pape....[this wine has] fabulous texture to go with classic notes of black raspberries, strawberries, kirsch, crushed flowers and licorice. It is a rock star in the vintage and shines for both its purity and richness." The Wine Advocate

Utterly delicious, this impressive Chateauneuf is our coveted "Chateauneuf du Awesome" winner this season.  Its plum and blackberry core is quite elegant and not fruit forward. Framed by a bouquet of herbs and earth, this fantastic CDP keeps you coming back for more.

Enjoy with you favorite type of burger, but also with dry rubbed ribs, a sliced filet sandwich, or crispy bacon lardons atop a warm spinach salad. And of course, there is always cheese! Enjoy!