This was an excellent find. One of the last ones on the rack, this full-bodied powerful red from Rhone delivered extraordinary value.

The nose was full of rich jammy fruit and berry. There was complexity as the fruit essences evolved into rustic, earthy maturity.

The tongue was of ripe fruits at first, then came the earthy, smokiness to follow. and as you swallow notes of the soft and silky tannins pursued.

The finish was long and lingering. Complex aromas of what had previously been tasted. This was quite an experience and I was eager to try the 2010 bottle once it had matured.