A thoroughly decent Rhone red, a lovely complement to Provencal roast lamb, and a welcome relief to the heavy hitters we’ve been blessed with drinking of late. (The previous night a glorious bottle of Ridge 2012 East Bench Zin. But the Ridge was like as Michelin star whereas the Cabardes was a mere Bib Gourmand.)

Soft, very gently tannins, a modest nose, spicy on the palate with a kirsch finish. A lingering leather note didn’t sit so well with me.

Price: $14 USD in Seattle.

Market Liquidity: This is the sort of “88” point wine wine drinkers need to be on the lookout for (by which I mean off the pointster’s radar).