Wine Number 15 or "The first French wine?!"

2005 M. Chapoutier Belleruche Cotes du Rhone:

In an interesting trio of wines from the Garden State Wine Club that included a limited release Cabernet from Columbia Crest and a South African Bourdeaux-style blend, comes this Cotes du Rhone from Michel Chapoutier. The blend itself is 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah.

The wine I felt was very fruit forward and somewhat simple. Red fruits on the nose and palate with hints of pepper.

I could have done better with my first wine from France but I've got better ones on hand and will get to them eventually.

Wine Count: 15; Country Count: 8; Grape Count: 14