Lamb on the Med

I keep ticking off experiences on my "wine" life list. Saturday night I had dinner with Frederic Brunier after collecting my customary rocks from the vineyards of Vieux Telegraphe. 6 vintages of Telegraphe going back to '81 is a great way to wash down roasted lamb over sauteed leeks and mushrooms. My circuit today included Vacqueyras, Gigondas ( with it's gorgeous views of Dentelles de Montmirail) then past the fabulous Beaucastel (where my love of the Southern Rhone really blossomed) and then back to Vieux Telegraphe. Passion for vines and wines is everywhere at this estate and it's sister property in Gigondas Domaine Pallieres. I finished my evening with a shot of Vieux Telegraphe Marc and then watched the Saints kick the Cardinals, about as good a day as a guy can have in France.

Today, yes the tastings keep going on Sunday, was my trip to the Med. I began in Cassis at Clos de Magdelene which may be the most beautiful property I've seen in the Northern hemisphere, with a classic villa perched on a cliff above the sea. Next, stop was Domaine Tempier, further from the sea but pulling power and grace from the soil and into their wines. Pretty special stuff! My favorite was "La Tourtine" Rouge, but each showed personality and uniqueness. Finally, we stopped at Gros Nore, another Bandol property, that is, in my opinion, a sleeper to watch. The color is of the Rose is the palest hue I've ever seen, giving more then impression of color than the color itself. Nervy and delicious.

At Gros Nore, we did the usual tasting, which was tasty, but we also had a Provencal feast. Mary tells me JB is roasting some lamb tonight, guess we're all on the same wavelength. There is nothing like walking into a room and seeing 3 legs of lamb hanging in the fireplace roasting over bouquet garni of rosemary and herbes de Provence. Now that's eatin'. The langostinos with the tomato coulis weren't shabby either. Not bragging here, just sharing. The food was awesome, but even better was the concept of the feast with friends. Alain Pascal from Gros Nore was a great host along with Daniel, the winemaker from Tempier, and just when I thought I couldn't check off anymore wine moments... Lulu Peyraud, the wife of Lucien Peyraud, the founder of Tempier, walks in and grabs a glass of '98 "Cabassoua." We should all be so vibrant at 90. Maybe it's all the antioxidants in those Mourvedre driven wines!

Another day has ended for me, but y'all still have time to throw some lamb on the grill. Enjoy. I'll finish watching "freakin'" Favre trample Dallas.

Sante