Houston Chronicle Wine Column 28 October 2008

Dale Robertson writes:

• 2005 Domaine Mourchon Grande Réserve

Score:18.3 (4.3, 6, 8)

My take: From Englishman Walter McKinlay, who owns a Houston IT company, this is Châteauneuf-du-Pape-quality wine, minus the price (4.2).
Taster's comment: "Well-balanced and polished, with great black fruit."
Buy it: $26.65 at Spec's. Also at Houston Wine Merchant. Restaurants/wine bars include Ibiza, Café Rabelais, Au Petit Paris, Tasting Room, Cru, Catalan, Quattro, Indika, Voice, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Brenner's on the Bayou, Aura, Dharma Cafe, Max's Wine Dive, El Meson, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Voice, Laurier Cafe.

• 2005 Domaine Mourchon Tradition

Score: 18 (4, 6, 8)

My take: I've loved this fruity, peppery wine since its first release, a 1998, began putting tiny Séguret, just north of Gigondas, on the map (4.1).
Taster's comment: "Perfect balance, silky tannins."
Buy it: $16.90 at Spec's. Also at Houston Wine Merchant. Restaurants/wine bars include Tony's, Chez Nous, Café Rabelais, Bistro Calais, Gravitas, Raven Grill, the Grove, Bistro Provence, Brasserie Max & Julie, Backstreet Cafe, Bistro Don Camillo, Vintropolis, El Meson, Vine Wine Room, St. Regis Hotel.