2012 Cotes du Roussillon Vieilles Vignes

Always a good intro into the wines from this estate, the 2012 Cotes du Roussillon Vieilles Vignes is mostly Syrah, yet incorporated 25% each of Carignan and Grenache. Aged in older barrel, it sports a ruby/purple, semi-opaque color that leads to a perfumed, elegant red that offers classic black cherry pit and raspberry-styled fruit, lots of resinous herbs, new leather and liquid violet-like aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, juicy and lively, with a firm edge to its acidity and tannin, it lacks the depth and richness of the 2011, but has beautiful fruit, stays nicely balanced and finishes with solid length. It should benefit from a year or two in the cellar, and drink nicely through 2022.