Even better, yet made in tiny quantities, the 2012 Vinsobres In Fine is a blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah that will spend 16 months in Burgundy barrels (with malolactic fermentation occurring in barrel). Full-bodied, deep and rich, with spectacular purity and freshness, this awesome effort gives up notions of black raspberry, creme de cassis, spice-box, licorice and roasted herbs in its seamless, impeccably balanced profile. It should drink well on release given its overall balance and purity, yet evolve gracefully for upward of a decade.
Proprietor Gerard Constant makes these crazy good efforts from his 20 acres of vines located in the up-and-coming Vinsobres region (think northern part of the southern Rhone). The higher elevation of the vineyards here gives the wines notable purity and freshness. Readers looking for high-quality wines at reasonable prices need to get on this estate’s bandwagon.
Importer: Serge Dore Selections, Ltd, www.sergedoreselections.com; tel. (914) 861-9206