Domaine de Couron 2011 Cuvee Marie Dubois Syrah

  Your humble Wine Bargain Sleuth enjoys stirring the pot to challenge convention from time to time, and this recommendation certainly falls in that category for Thanksgiving meals.  It is not every day that a great French wine fits into the Value Wine category, but I hereby offer to you the Domaine de Couron 2011, a delicious Syrah from the Cotes du Rhone region of France.   If your guests enjoy red wine with perhaps a bit more body than a typical Pinot Noir, yet your budget demands that avoid maxing out the Visa card, then this French Syrah may be your Huckleberry!  I sampled this delicious red recently with my friends at Ronin Wines recently, and my initial impression is that it must be $40-50 wine.  Rich in fruit, yet remarkably nuanced and savory at the same time, my taste buds basically went crazy after my first sip of the 2011 Couron.  A hint of raspberries on the front palate were quickly overtaken by a mid-palate of roasted meats and baking spices, followed by a delightful finish that lingered for at least a minute.  This wine is delicious and easy drinking.   Wine Advocate awarded this great value wine a solid 87 rating, and mine would be even a bit higher.   Available locally at Corner Wines in Plano, Texas, I had no choice but to snag several bottles for the old home collection.   And best of all, the retail for this beautiful French red is only $18.  If you wish to zig when others zag with your wine choice to pair with the big bird, look no further!