This Cotes-du-Rhone Villages shows lovely elegance, finesse, and understatement. There is a touch of volatility, but once the wine gets some air the nose is fairly fragrant, showing raspberry jam, ripe cherries and plums, fig, black olive, anise, cardamom, lilac, sage, and delicate traces of white pepper and smoke. On the medium-full palate, the fruit is fresh and vibrant, the spices show more, and notes of coffee and cured meats come through. The acidity and tannins are moderate, though the tannins still have some grip. Finishes with coffee, white pepper, sage, and smoke.