E. Guigal, Cotes du Rhone 2005 This wine is typically on the more polished side of Rhone blends with a hint of oak. That sense comes through again with a bit of earth and dried fruits. The blend is 55% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 8% Mourvedre and some other stuff. Eleve et mis en bouteille Ampuis 13% $12.49 at Bottle Barn Guigal

Domaine des Entrefaux, Crozes-Hermitage, 2006
Black pepper, minerality, black fruit and structure in a good value Northern Rhone Syrah. With an extra 2 months the fruit is starting to pop out in a bigger way. The level of tannin and acid cry out for some sausages to pair with. The wine spends time split evenly between barrels, foudres and inert tanks. Charles & Francois Tardy a Chanos-Curson 12.5% $19.99 at Bottle Barn