Jay Kline

9.4

Presented double-blind at Tasting Group. The wine pours a deep garnet/purple with a near opaque core; medium viscosity with significant staining of the tears. On the nose, the wine is developing with notes of dark brambles, purple flowers, pastureland, black pepper, olive tapenade, animale, granitic earth, some licorice, and a mix of cool and warm spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long and the rotundone is particularly apparent.

Initial conclusions: this could be Syrah, Gamay, Cabernet Sauvignon (or based blend), Merlot (or based blend), Tempranillo or Malbec from France, the United States, Australia, Spain or Argentina. However, given the color saturation and the wild nature of this wine, I can’t place this classically in the New World. Furthermore, I detect the use of some French oak so I like this being from the Northern Rhône or Beaujolais. Final conclusion, this is Syrah, from France, from the Northern Rhône, from Cornas, 2017. Dang! Scoring points but I need to get better differentiating between some of these Northern Rhône AOC’s. This showed really well and still has a long life ahead. Drink now through 2045. — 3 days ago

J. B. Rainsberger

9.2

Fruity without being sweet. Elevated without being too much. — 2 months ago

with Sarah

Tyler Felous

9.3

Venturing into Gigondas. Very pretty, with loads of strawberry and red fruit - almost too much fruit. Surprised given 21 was a frosty, cool yr in the Rhone. — 5 months ago

Peter Sultan

9.0

I’ve seen this label so many times it was easy to dismiss. A big, dark, joyous bottle ( including the bottle itself, which is hefty). Syrah all the way. — 13 days ago

Scott Koles

9.0

Another delicious Cotes-du-Rhone — 24 days ago

Jan A

9.2

True to type and seamless Albarinho — 4 months ago

Tyler Felous

9.4

Full bodied Gigondas, paired alongside lamb ragu. Stood up great to the food. Think the wine could have used another hour decant to really show itself. — 16 days ago

Carter White

9.1

From a magnum, polished, juicy, rich dark fruit, and herbs — 23 days ago

Ray Vanderhoff

9.0

Interesting “Vin de France” that is the brainchild of the great Louis Barruol. Primarily made with Grenache that is a blending of several vintages, all vinified in concrete tanks. This one was bottled in 2019. Deep ruby/garnet/purple color. Aromas of ripe red berry fruit, dried purple flowers and dusty earth. Flavors of strawberries, red and black cherries, blackberries, red and black licorice and baking spices. Touch of black pepper spice on the medium-plus and slightly earthy/musty/peaty finish. Medium-plus acidity. Light and well integrated tannins. Pleasant texture and purity. Interesting concept that has led to an interesting wine. Excellent QPR. — 3 months ago

Peter van den Besselaar

9.0

Vintage 2022 | vino de la Tierra de Extramadura | from touriga nacional, garnacha tintorera and syrah | tasted the wine twice and on this third day from the fridge with blind finch and grilled courgette. Just lovely: velvety structure. — 6 months ago