When I uncorked this at the end of Feb. I said Oh Oh. The long cork told me I may have opened it too soon. Alone it was a tad astringent, calling for a meat dish match, and introverted - give it a chance to grow up! All that said, the rack of lamb paired well, easing the tannins and allowing the showing of lush blueberry, black cherry, and blackberry. Delicious!

A deep dark ruby colour with a nice sophisticated nose of black and red licorice and ground black pepper. The palate is a creamy medium weight with nice blackberry/ blueberry, again licorice and pepper flavours. Also perhaps black olive? Super dry and structured with a stunning finish. Beautiful comes to mind. Decant for about 30 minutes and enjoy.

January 2016

When I peeled back the foil, the cork was clearly soaked and a deep purple liqiuid had been oozing out. The wine was not oxidized though, but it was lacking any Rhone character usually so amply demonstrated by this producer. "Inoffensive" was how my wife described it and that was about it. Like a $12 red. Given my experience with Montirius in the past, this can must have been an off-bottle. A shame. Mt score reflects what I tasted in this specific bottle, not likely indicative. Will try the '10 in the next week to compare. tasted Nov 7, 2014.