It’s been almost 2 years since my last bottle of this, and the cellaring has been beneficial. Powerful nose shows all sorts of animal and mineral notes. Some pungent tiny berries underneath. A little sponti funk note too. It explodes on the palate. Dense, mouthcoating flavors, but they’re almost electrocuted by the zingy acids on steroids. Loads of tiny, zingy, dark mountain berries. There’s a fair amount of tannin, but they’re very soft and pillowy. Well done. Will last and improve several more years. — 8 months ago
2020 vintage. 75% Merlot, 24% Cabernet Franc and 1% Cabernet Sauvignon. Owned by the Despagne family since 1812, and the current 7th generation (François Despagne) seems to be serious about quality. This 2020 displays impressive aromatics, concentration, depth, and precision, with fresh acidity balancing the 15% abv. — 2 months ago
Textbook Northern Rhone Syrah in a very affordable, drink now package. Bing cherry, currants, light and pleasantly integrated peppercorn and smoke notes, a touch of beef bouillon and soil. Medium bodied, pure textures of finely grained tannin and perfectly integrated acidity. Med+ on the finish. If you have been drinking new world syrah and are hesitant to buy in on a Cote-Rotie, Hermitage or even a Saint-Joseph, this is a nice entry point. — 2 years ago
Bright this back from Paris 2018 and opened for Christmas 2022. Wasn’t sure how this was going to age but opened as funky and delicious as I had hoped. Notes of blue cheese and fermented blueberries. Bright notes of kombucha in the taste. Natty wines can age! — a year ago
Byron Hewett
Excellent wine. Layered and complex. Hints of pear, honey, minerals, vanilla and spice. — 14 days ago