Domaine les Hautes Cances, Côtes du Rhône (Rhône Valley, France) 2010

I try to steer clear from grandiose statements, but the 2010 vintage wines from the Côtes du Rhône are certainly the best in a generation, and this one is particularly strong.  It shows medium body, deep and persistent flavors, and a balanced and focused profile that will enable it to work well with almost anything from a roasted chicken to braised lamb.  Fruity but not obvious, with interesting undertones of leather and spices, this is a lovely, layered wine that is far more complex than its price tag suggests.