2012 was a good year for growers, as the yields were high and the quality was very good. Nice cool mild summer, low wind spring, so a great set. No rain, no frost, and no storms – amazingly. Summer arrived with little fog and perfect clear warm (not hot) days allowed for slow grape development retaining natural grape acidity resulting in low alcohol wines with rich concentrated varietal flavors.

Aged in half new Françoise Frères and half new Ermitage French oak barrels.

Inky purple. Ripe cherry and dark berry liqueur on the nose, with notes of candied licorice, olive and black pepper gaining strength with air. Big, broad-shouldered and smoky, offering weighty cherry-cola and cassis flavors that are given spine and lift by zesty acidity. Shows an intense spiciness on the youthfully tannic, persistent finish, which lingers with appealing sweetness.