On the pop and pour, this bottle was a little out of sorts with the slightest prick on the tongue of effervescence. It needed about an hour of air but it was singing after that. On the nose, it was actually quite exotic with red and dark brambly fruits, black pepper, sandalwood and Middle Eastern spices. On the palate it was more red fruited with anise and black pepper. The finish was quite enjoyable, last at least half a minute. By the last glass, this had become very well balanced and there is plenty of structure to last the next handful of years and perhaps longer. Based of this experience, I would say it reminds me of a really good Côte du Rhône-Village or Vacqueyras. It just falls a touch short from the depth I usually associate with Chateauneuf du Pape of Gigondas.
On the pop and pour, this bottle was a little out of sorts with the slightest prick on the tongue of effervescence. It needed about an hour of air but it was singing after that. On the nose, it was actually quite exotic with red and dark brambly fruits, black pepper, sandalwood and Middle Eastern spices. On the palate it was more red fruited with anise and black pepper. The finish was quite enjoyable, last at least half a minute. By the last glass, this had become very well balanced and there is plenty of structure to last the next handful of years and perhaps longer. Based of this experience, I would say it reminds me of a really good Côte du Rhône-Village or Vacqueyras. It just falls a touch short from the depth I usually associate with Chateauneuf du Pape of Gigondas.
May 5th, 2020
Dry Creek Valley, Sonoma County, California, USA
