Domaine Saint Etienne 2012 Rouge Barrique

The price of even village Burgundy has gone through the roof; while good Bordeaux can cost an arm and a leg but fortunately for lovers of French-accented wines there is still terrific value to be found in the wines of south-west France. This is one such wine, from the Quercy appellation near Cahors, fully mature and full of regional character. It is made by the Gisbert family, who have been growing grapes since 1778, and imported by Thomas Gisbert, born and raised on the family vineyard and who runs La Mosaique wine imports in Melbourne. Aged in mainly older oak and using fruit from 40-year-old vines, this is a blend of "sustainably farmed" cabernet franc, merlot and cot (malbec) that has delightful balance, cassis and savoury notes, and carries just 12.5% alcohol. Seriously characterful for $35. 
www.mosaiquewines.com.au.