In The Ring

The best of both worlds...for the old world, in the turkey corner, is the Chateau de la Gardine, Chateauneuf-du-pape, 2001. Anise and leather nose. Licorice, dried dates (thanks, koko!) and cherries massage the taste buds. A medium bodied, very elegant wine, great with food. The tannins are drying without food, so this one could be put away longer. Wow. Wines from this region are not cheap, they start at $25 in our neck of the woods, but compared to Bordeaux or Burgundy they can be a relative bargain. Note to self: time to start buying more Chateauneuf-du-Pape!
Next up, for the new world, in the dancing kiddies corner, is the Concha y Toro, Marques de Casa Concha, Merlot, Pneumo, 2005. A brilliant follow-up to the scrumptious 2004 vintage, this one is a worthy wine also. Fantastic nose of dark berries, pears, chocolate and cedar. Full bodied, rich and opulent. A fruit bomb of the best kind, backed up by vanilla and cedar. The tannins are a little rough but are manageable. Wow. My kind of wine. An absolute steal at $20 if you like big brawny new world wines.
So, who wins? We do!!