What the hell happened? Last night dropped below freezing. School buses prowl the streets. My wife already opened Halloween decorations. Fall has arrived.

Screw this, I will keep wearing t-shirts, flip-flops, and sunglasses.  To sustain my delusion, today’s Thirsty Thursday wine will remain sunny.

Like plugging into the Matrix or entering the Holodeck, my liver and I are taking a one-glass flight to Minervois: nestling ourselves in the western curve of the French Mediterranean coast.

What better way to play pretend than with a new Negociant team, Gregory Hecht and François Bannier, and their 2011 blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenach, and 10% Carignan?  Sourced from tightly knit relationships with grape growers, it then waited 2 years in barrels for me to drink.

Appearance: Clear, but so inky ruby with such a narrow rim, I can hardly tell.

Aromas: The steam from glowing sauna rocks lines a luscious lump of black cherry, chocolate syrup, and molasses.

Palate: Dry, with moderate acid, ample tannin, noted alcohol, and a full body that somehow remains lean, silken,

Flavors: Rich but dried black cherry jerky, chocolate syrup, and red apple skin lead to the mineral, white pepper dust finish that lasts for a medium plus length.

Hecht & Bannier’s 2010 Minervois tastes upright, experienced, and very sleek and stylish: like a black Armani suit.  It sings the song of the sunny South with loads of Fall-fighting warmth, fruit, spice, and presence.  Dinner is its friend.  It is very good (4 of 5) and worth the $20 venture.