Today's recommended wine
Perrin & Fils, 2006 Chateauneuf-du-Pape Les Sinards Blanc, $39
This is a stony, dry, austere-yet-fruity white Rhone. Such a treat if you favor dry whites that aren't like all the rest. You won't find a wine like this from anyplace but the rocky soils of the "clos" around the pope's palace in Chateauneuf-du-Pape. It's made off a 2.5-acre vineyard farmed by the famed Beaucastel team. The nose is astonishing white flowers, white peaches and white nectarines. The mid-palate has a river of floral and fruity flavors with oak artfully woven in and great acidity for structure. It finishes with a sweet-salty kick. It's perfect as a foil for crab or lobster, or salty caviar, or rich pates. This is not an everyday wine. It's a blend of 70 percent Grenache Blanc and 30 percent Clairette. It has amazing weight for 13 percent alcohol.
