From a Grenache vineyard replanted in 1895 (after phylloxera), the 2018 Cotes du Rhone Villages 1895 spent 18 months in Fran?cois Frères barrels of 360 liters. Yes, there's an overlay of spicy, smoky oak, but it's remarkably well-balanced and subtle, set against a backdrop of raspberry and cherry fruit. Medium to full-bodied, smooth and silky on the palate, this finishes with fine-grained tannins and plenty of length.