Yesterday’s Times spotlighted dry red wines of the Languedoc-Roussillon region, “an ancient Mediterranean land of rugged, stony hillsides, gnarled vines, fierce wind and relentless sunshine at the jagged foot of France.”  Typical of regions that present challenging growing conditions, six of the top 10 wines were priced over $45.  But punching well above its weight was the ‘Best Value’ M. Chapoutier Côtes du Roussillon Villages Les Vignes de Bila-Haut 2009 ($14).

“Ripe and inviting, with sweet fruit, earth and menthol flavors,” this little striver even went head to head against an $85 wine and won.  In the understatement of the year, the Times calls it “an excellent deal for an inviting wine.”  We’d call it a knockout.  Maybe the Times meant it’s a great wine to use as an excuse to invite some people over?

Chapoutier Cotes du Roussillon Villages Bila Haut 2009 ($14 a bottle/$11.80 for 12+ bottles) arrives Friday.  To reserve yours, call us at (718) 797-9463 or online here.