No need to travel to Europe this year, simply uncork one of these lovely reds (or two!) and you'll feel instantly transported to France!

1) Chateau de L'Estang, Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2005

2) Cairanne Vieux Clocher Cotes-Du-Rhone Villages, 2004

3) Bourgueil, Lieu-dit Beauregard, 2005

4) Chateau Carbonneau, Sainte Foy Bordeaux 2005

5) Domaine Sorin, Cuvee Tradition, Cotes de Provence 2006

Chateau de L'Estang, Grand Vin de Bordeaux 2005: “Since the late 90s one of the best value areas in Bordeaux is the Cotes de Castillon, just east of St Emilion. There have been many property owners from the prestigious regions of St Emilion, Pomerol, etc. moving into this area. We first tasted this Chateau de l'Estang in April 2008 and fell in love with it immediately. We love the vibrant style of this wine. Deep color and blackberry aromas with a touch of cassis. The tannins are round and the wine has great acidity.” 

Cairanne Vieux Clocher Cotes-Du-Rhone Villages, 2004: As one reviewer proclaimed, “Tannic, lightweight body, toasty, dry. Can taste the grenache. Me likey!” 

Bourgueil, Lieu-dit Beauregard, 2005: Unlike most of the wine produced in France’s Loire River Valley, Bourgueil is red. This particular wine is made from 100% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in a small valley in Restign known as Beauregard which used to belong to the St Martins church. 

Chateau Carbonneau, Sainte Foy Bordeaux 2005: We couldn’t say it any better ourselves, “Was my first Bordeaux, and it was wonderful. Would buy this over and over again.” Lots of upfront raspberry and strawberry notes in this Merlot, Cab Sav, Cab Franc assemblage. Lovely balanced wine. 

Domaine Sorin, Cuvee Tradition, Cotes de Provence 2006: The nose on this was earthy: dirt, moss, and bark -- along with pepper, cedar, green bean, menthol, and tobacco. Yeah, lots going on there. The taste was raisin and red cherry, though mainly blueberry. Then the finish: that pepper hits and retreats quickly, leaving earth and veggie elements -- chalk and brussell sprout. This is yet another French wine we've been drinking a lot lately. Grenache 40%, Syrah 40%, Carignan 15%, Mourvedre 5%