Saint-Galet, Châteauneuf-du-Pape (Rhône Valley, France) 2019

 Sometimes the background story is more interesting than the wine.  So the story here has it that the importing company hired Eric Bonnet of Domaine La Bastide Saint Dominique to make a wine for them aimed at the restaurant trade.  In other words, one that could be enjoyed when released.  So he came up with a blend of 80% Grenache, 12% Mourvedre, and 8% Syrah.  And sure enough, this wine offers wide and immediate appeal.  Fresh blackberry and black raspberry aromas lead to a round smooth mid-palate with a juicy ripe and slightly earthy flavor profile.  Finishing with light tannin, it is a pleasing, fruit-filled uncomplicated wine.