Both of the bottles to the right of the photo were purchased in 2008, our second month-long visit to France, “avec nos amis” who are featured in the group pic. We remember 2008 particularly fondly, because that was the year we first met our dear friends, Jennifer and Barrie, who we descend upon each time we cross the pond to France.
During a somewhat spontaneous visit to Chateau de Vaugelas (see the bottle on the far right), we were invited to a wine tasting with winemaker Christian Mignard at his home in Siran, outside of Cesseras. Knowing how Americans love their nicknames, he referred to himself as “Chris”, pronounced with his French accent like “crease”.
We had a hard time finding the place, and had almost given up when Christian came out of his house and motioned us up the driveway. We had a fun barrel-tasting (see the photo in the photo above) and bought several bottles of his 2003 “Les Trois Cloches”, many of which he autographed. This was a Minervois La Liviniere, a blend of Syrah, old Grenache and Carignan, the latter from hundred-year-old vines. While the label said the wine can be put down for up to six years, this 14-year-old was a beauty, still with ruby-red color, ripe tannins, delightful Minervois earthiness, and the ever-present garrigue. We enjoyed it on New Year’s Eve, with rabbit confit, roasted brussels sprouts, and potatoes.
Earlier this Spring, Susan and I took a trip to Lake Chelan, where we visited our favorite Chelan winery, Cairdeas. They specialize in Rhone wines (whites and reds) and even make their own version of a Chateauneuf du Pape. Check them out 
