Deep ruby, tight pink rim. Cork Alcohol: 15.% Dry, Cellar Potential: 2030. Not as pure, but a complex little with appropriate earthiness. Spices and body. The base wine is from 2012 and 2011. Scores and comments are impressive, such as:
"A multi-vintage blend of 50 per cent Syrah (60-plus years old) from the
Northern Rhône and 50 per cent Grenache (80-plus years old) from the
Southern Rhône. The Syrah comes from twelve parcels, from varying
terroirs including granite, loess and sand, aged in French oak for 14 months.
The Grenache comes from 13 parcels, from varying terroirs including
pebbles, gravel, sand and Urgonian limestone. Aged in concrete tanks.
“The NV Côtes du Rhône S.M. is thrilling stuff. It offers a full-bodied,
voluptuous and decadent style to go with overflowing notes of plum and
darker fruits, liquorice and violets. Gorgeous on all counts, it’s a shockingly
good Côtes du Rhône to drink over the coming 4-6 years, although I wouldn’t
be surprised to see it last even longer.” (WA 94)
“A huge nose of cassis, ground black pepper, garrigue, and olive tapenade
gives way to a ripe, rounded, medium to a full-bodied effort that has good
acidity, building tannin, a seamless, light texture, and a great finish. It's a
singular wine that has a big kiss of Northern Rhône Syrah with a touch of the
rounded, sexy, opulent style of the south. (JD 93+)