April, 2008
Domaine Puydeval, Vin de Pays d'Oc, 2005, $14
Domaine Puydeval demonstrates the tremendous value available in French Vin de Pays wines. Although officially considered a lower quality appellation than France’s esteemed ACs, VdPs offer producers several advantages including lower priced vineyard land and freedom from the regulations that restrict how AC wines are grown and vinified. Domaine Puydeval’s unique blend of 60% Cabernet Franc, 30% Syrah and 10% Merlot shows that rules are made to be broken. The wine has rich aromas and flavors of cherries, earth, and spice and incredible depth and concentration.