April 2017

A wine of deep purple, which opens up with aromas of blueberry- blackberry fruit, licorice, burnt toast, black pepper and dried floral notes. On the palate, full bodied, concentrated flavours, balanced acidity and firm tannins. A wine of many layers on the finish including dark fruit, sweet oak, savoury notes and those same firm tannins lingering 'till the end. Drink now or over the next 5-6 years. Strongly recommended.

A pleasant and subtle wine, but I do not think it has the depth or complexity to rate the high scores from the reviewers.

A very solid, complex Vacqueyras. Still remarkably youthful, both in colour and structure. Loads of ripe fruit, firm tannin and spice/pepper. Nicely balanced. Drink 2016-2021. tasted sep 2015.

Still ripe, full, and balanced but drink up.

Dark ruby in colour with medium+ intensity on the nose.

Positives: Cedar, plum, licorice, blackberry, dark chocolate & dried earth. Medium+ body & tannins with good acidity & long length.

Negatives: There's some heat coming from the 14.5% alcohol.

Interesting Point: Very food friendly as the flavours are all subdued.

Drink now or over the next 4 years & pair it with Beef Wellington.

Tasted: 22 June 12

Score: 8.5+/10, Value: 8.5/10, Total: 17+/10.

Out of 5 stars, I rated this wine: 3.5