2003 Domaine de la Charbonniere Vacqueyras

One of the Cotes-du-Rhone villages, Vacqueyras produces wines of such distinctive character that it’s been deemed worthy of its own appellation. You don’t see it much in this country, which is why I picked up a bottle of the 2003 Domaine de la Charbonniere when I saw it. The Charbonniere Vacqueyras is an intensely earthy blend of Grenache and Syrah, and in the great 2003 vintage this gorgeous rouge exhibits both power and finesse. Have a bottle with a charred rare steak, some tender little lamb chops or some ribs rubbed with thyme and other wild herbs. This wine can take on just about everything except fish.

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Quick swirl

Region: Rhone Valley

Price: About $20

Style: Earthy

Food it goes with: Steak, lamb chops, ribs with herbs

Where you find it: Bob’s Market in Santa Monica, (310) 452-2493; the Vintage Shoppe in Playa del Rey, (310) 822-1138; Wine Exchange in Orange, (714) 974-1454 and (800) 769-4639; and the Wine House in West Los Angeles, (310) 479-3731.

-- S. Irene Virbila