89 2006 Sainte-Eugénie Corbières La Réserve 3/20/09 ($13)
40% Carignan, plus Grenache & Syrah 13.5% alc
Color: Medium deep red and black cherry. (3.0) Bouquet: Clove and sweet oak complement rich black cherry fruit that jumps out of the glass. (3.0) Body: Solid middleweight with excellent fruit and acidity and a little tannin. Coats the mouth. (3.0) Flavor: Parallels bouquet with racy fruit. (3.0) Finish: Parallels bouquet, but chalky acidity sticks out a bit here. Still shows very good length. (2.5)
Overall: Excellent ripe black cherry fruit and acidity combine with subtle earth and integrated spicy oak to make a wine of impressing character for the price. Not heavy or overdone in any way. Very tasty, food-friendly and a joy to drink. Great value! Drink now and in the next 2 years. (14.5)