97 Decanter

"This generously contoured Châteauneuf-du-Pape is dark black-red in colour, with lazy but very complex aromas which merit a good swirl to tickle them out of the glass. Once tickled, you'll find earth, spice, herbs, warm stones and ample meaty flesh. On the palate, the wine is generous and mouthfilling, almost sweet at first sip, but later meaty and rich, long and resonant, satisfying, finally profound. All the complexity of a great blend and a great terroir come together here. There is, though, nothing overblown, hot, kinky or baroque in this traditionally styled rendition; the wine has soft, fresh acidity to lift it and support it; the tannins are fine-grained; its alcohol is well-incorporated; and it finishes both clean and drinkably fresh. "