Seems like a good time to revisit the topic… it’s snowing in Maine and we ain’t goin’ nowhere.
Dense ruby color with slight bricking at the edges. The aromas feature very ripe red plums, concomitant alcohol and a lot of refreshing garrigue. The label reads 14.5% alcohol, which doesn’t make sense to me; I’m guessing at least a point higher, but if it is, why not label is correctly, as at 14.5% they already paid the high alcohol tax in effect at that time.
The palate is a pleasant surprise. The alcohol is subdued, the body is lighter than I expected, which is a plus in this case. The texture is almost lacy! The flavors have red cherries as well as the predominate plums, along with a little black fruit, plums again. The garrigue is less than in the aromas and well integrated. This is a fine wine, the alcohol is still a little intrusive, but not overwhelming or a flaw. The balance is good, the solidity is more than adequate on a cold snowy evening, I’m glad it’s in my glass. Rated 92, probably fully mature. While this will easily live another decade, the alcohol might start to take over soon.
Dan Kravitz