Meridion par Pierre Perrin Cotes du Rhone 2010

<p> Beaucastel is one of the greatest names in Châteauneuf du Pape - their $1,000 bottle Châteauneuf received a perfect 100 point score from wine critic Robert Parker. Meridion par Pierre gives you a taste of their Grand Vin. </p> <p> Thanks to a long, warm growing season offset by cool nights, 2010 was a great vintage, giving rise to wines with great concentration and elegance. As Robert Parker notes, "Some producers think 2010 eclipses 2007 because of the wines' vivid freshness and focus" (Wine Advocate). </p> <p> The Perrins produced this exclusive red using the same techniques that they apply to their £35+ a bottle Châteauneuf du Pape - flash heating the grapes prior to fermentation to extract colour and aroma from the skins without picking up any harsh tannins. A year in large oak foudres has mellowed the wine, adding subtle notes of cedar while letting the concentrated berry fruit flavours take centre stage. Serve with roast rack of lamb or cassoulet. </p>