Saint Cosme Chateauneuf-du-Pape 2007
France, $60
We're singing the praises of the Mourvèdre, a grape that's been making a name for itself under a variety of monikers (Monastrell in Spain, Mataro in Australia). But as great-and affordable-as it is as a solo performer, it arguably reaches its highest expression as a team player in France's Rhone region. This bottling is rare in that it is has a very high (30%) percentage of Mourvèdre for a Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It creates a blockbuster of a wine with layer after layer of coffee, spice and black fruit flavours. It's still a pretty tight little number so if you're going to drink now it could use at least an hour of decanting. Or secret it away for 12 years and see it emerge beautifully intact, yet mellowed. I know-buy two and try it both ways.

Pair with Chef Michael Allemeier's recipe for Wild Boar Ragout with Soft Blue Cheese Polenta