Domaine Bressy-Masson, Rasteau, Cotes du Rhone Villages, 2007
Here's another recommendation from Liner and Elsen (local wine shop). Apparently, this is pretty much a Chateauneuf-du-Pape white. But since just down the road, it's not technically within the appellation, it can't be labeled as such. So a Chateauneuf-du-Pape without the cost was the idea.
And I have to say this was really enjoyable. The nose was pear, herby: basil, and a hint of spearmint. The taste was a tart lemon, and pear. The finish brings that basil back along with the lemon. And that finish keeps getting more tart as it goes long (it doesn't begin tart). It has a good mouthfeel: not too thick, and not too thin (about a 2% milk equivalent).
Denise liked it, despite that it's a white (she doesn't usually like the whites). She said it smelled like a smelly sock (but in a good way, apparently). We drank this with our friends Patrick and Signe. And Signe really likes white on a hot day (though usually drinking strictly dry Rieslings); she really liked this one.
Cost:
Raiting:
7.5