Tuesday is almost Wednesday, and that’s almost mid-week. I popped a rack of herb-crusted lamb chops in the oven, roasted some veggies, and cooked couscous simmered with dried fruit, and my wine selection was the 2005 Mas Carlot Cuvee Tradition. This one is a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache, and it came at quite a bargain ($10) at one of my favorite wine shops, Pearsons, in Georgetown.

Lots of fruit offered here—nice, dark ruby color with a generous berry nose that also included hints of ash and tar. Lots of dark berries with some pepper in the mouth, and I noted some mocha at the end It does linger for a bit., and I’d consider it a medium to full bodied wine. Tannins are well-behaved and I enjoyed this with dinner; however, it’s also fruity enough to sip on its own.

Give the 2005 Mas Carlot Cuvee Tradition with a favorite winter-time meal or with dried meats and cheeses, but remember that you heard about it on Virginia Wine Time.