A 2013 red blend (Grenache 75%, Syrah 10%, Mourvèdre 13%, Cinsault 2%) from Gigondas, France. Aged for 21 months in casks and terracotta jars. Tons of cracked black pepper, leather, black tea, beef jerky, licorice. Some black cherry, mint, Asian 5-spice, dark chocolate. Much more on the savory, herbal side than fruit. Long finish of pepper, leather, dark chocolate. The 14% alcohol, mouth-watering acidity, slightly drying tannins mingle beautifully together. Unmistakably Southern Rhone.