This appealing wine is already five years old but could use more time to show its best. The aromas of black pepper, licorice and blackberry are generous. Taut and tart fruit flavors come with a pleasing mouthfeel and a finish that lingers. Best from 2018 to 2021

Good bright red-ruby. Cassis, blueberry, licorice, mocha and brown spices on the nose, complicated by a whiff of violet. Spicy and a bit tart, showing a savory character to its flavors of black fruits, brown spices and game. Good spicy intensity here. The acids and tannins initially clashed on the back end but harmonized with air. Finishes with a fresh blueberry flavor.

This has some tart, peppery berry flavors that are buried in notes of stem, bark and green tannins. — (2/1/2013) —84

Ruby-red. Aromas of black raspberry, mocha and smoked meat; less primary than the 2009 but displays a more flamboyant syrah character. Distinctly cooler in the mouth than the 2009 but with very good definition and intensity to its flavors of dark berries, pepper, spices and herbs. Shows the texture and weight of a Saint-Joseph. Finishes with obvious acidity, light tannins and good cut.”here

Full in the mouth, rich with a mix of pastry fruits, fruitcake, baking spices, clove and coffee, this decadent pleasure is like drinking a Christmas cake. Raisins soaked in a Bourbon sauce come to mind, along with plum pudding.——P.G.(4/1/2012)—— 92