Le Chenin des Mulets, Chateauneuf du Pape, Recolte 2000

Mis en bouteille per perrin et fils - 84100 Orange, France. Jean-Pierre & Francois Perrin.

It's a grenache & syrah blend. Named after the old mule track which leads from the hill town of Chateauneuf de Pape into eastern hills of the Cotes du Rhone.

I bought this wine for Monsieur Vin's father a couple of years ago, I can't remember where from or how much but I don't think it was more than £15.00.

We'd flown from Edinburgh to East Midlands Airport, picked up a hire car and completed the short drive to Donington le Heath. It's a cold December night and we are here primarily for the delivery and collection of Christmas presents. The log fire burns and Magic the sleek black cat plays on the hearth rug. Monsieur Vin senior served the wine with a cassoulet, a perfect match to be sure.

The wine has a savoury, bitter aroma and the alcohol burns the inside of my nostril. The feint hint of tobacco and light smoke feels calming after our journey. I take a sip, it's smooth on the tongue with a long elegant finish. The ripe dark fruits, tannins, food and company make a perfect occasion.