Amongst both wine professionals and consumers, there are a couple importer names that jump out as a stamp of quality… think Kermit Lynch and Rosenthal. Over the last year, we have discovered a new little importer with the focus being on small production wines from the South of France: Patrick Allen Selections. Chances are if you have been on this email list for any length of time, you’ve heard us freak out about the wines of Jerome Despesse, a tiny producer in Cornas whose Syrah rivals that of Thierry Allemand at a fraction of the cost. Patrick Allen Selections, who has consistently impressed us with both the cost and the quality of their wines, is also responsible for bringing in these beautiful wines by Clos del Rey. Based in the appellation of Maury, this appellation is known for its production of Vin Doux Natural, but Clos del Rey makes dry red wines, and makes them very well. If you like Chateauneuf-du-Pape and you like paying less than $30 for a great bottle of wine, this is the wine for you. This wine comes from old vines, all dating 100 years old or more. This wine is intense and spicy, but balanced with beautiful, delicate aromas. And at only 250 cases of this wine produced, it’s not one you will find anywhere else!