I have made these lamb shanks many times, close to your recipe. Rosemary is an essential herb for lamb, can not eat lamb without it. I am surprised your wife has never had lamb. The only problem is these so called "tough cuts" that butchers never knew what to do with them the chefs began using them and the price has sky rocketed!! Veal shanks are $13.00. a lb. where we live. Lamb shanks are around $9 to 10 dollars a lb. Osso Bucco costs more than prime rib. But love those lamb shanks! Thanks.