The 2015 edition of the Tour de France wrapped up two weeks ago. This year's edition of the race was packed with plenty of action, especially in the final week of the race when le Tour spent 4 days scaling multiple mountains in the French Alps. The race came to conclusion on the classic climb of l Alpe d'Huez. Whenever the tour visits this famous climb it is like you went to a party and a bike race broke out. The hill is covered from top to bottom with manic fans that, literally, arrive weeks ahead of time to stake out their partying and viewing spots.
The final two stages through the Alps (finally) saw Nairo Quintana use his climbing skills to attack the race leader, Chris Froome. The aggressive riding made for great racing action, unfortunately it was too little, too late. Froome was able to manage his time losses and still win the overall title by a comfortable margin of one minute and thirty seconds.
Leading up to the final week the tour passed through the Rhone Valley. I imagine the pro racers and their support crews all enjoyed some Rhone Valley Syrah on their way to the Alps.
This week's Lucha Vino challenge features a Norhtern Rhone style Syrah from McCrea Cellars taking on a French Syrah from le Hermitage.
2006 McCrea Cellars Cuvee Orleans v. 2006 Phillippe & Vincent Jaboulet Nouvelere Crozes-Hermitage
