Domaine de la Garrigue, Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Romaine, 2021

We raided the Rhône and we are NOT sorry. DOMAINE DE LA GARRIGUE CUVÉE ROMAINE 2021 — 92 POINTS of sun-scorched Southern French brilliance, and we got it for a price that would make your local wine merchant quietly weep. One call, one allocation, one very good decision on our part. You're welcome, frankly. ​ Domaine de la Garrigue sits deep in the Côtes du Rhône, surrounded by that wild, herb-scented scrubland that gives it its gloriously earthy name. The Cuvée Romaine is their flagship blend — Grenache leading the charge, with Syrah providing backbone and the occasional dramatic flourish. The 2021 vintage gifted the valley warmth with just enough freshness to keep things thrillingly alive, and winemaker Paul Bégude has coaxed something genuinely special from it. Ancient soils, modern precision, 92 points — the Romans built roads here for a reason. ​ Dark plum and crushed garrigue herbs on the nose, followed by black cherry, roasted meat, and a whisper of wild thyme that refuses to leave. The tannins are polished but purposeful, the finish longer than expected. ​ Not buying this would be, quite simply, a historic mistake.