The 2010 vintage still is a superb choice in the Rhone Valley. The long, warm indian summer fully ripened the grapes, a good basis for wines with remarkable finesse and harmony.
The Grenache and Syrah grapes for this wine come from the vineyards of Roaix, situated between Rasteau and Vaison-la-Romaine. It fills the glass with a dark, blood red colour and the strong scent of figs and dried apricots, honey cake and licorice. My nose is immediately seduced, fascinated by the intensity of the bouquet, which evolves towards the scent of cherries and more spices.
Fresh acidity, fine tannins, though still young, surrounded by a pleasant smoothness, getting more and more spicy, showing long lasting flavors. Balanced, tasty and still youthful, this wine promises a few more years of storage capacity. If you open it this winter, you should serve it in a carafe.
FOOD MATCHES FOR CARNIVORES: The intensity and the character of the wine deserve a nice piece of grilled meat - beef, lamb, ostrich - without much pose, just with a little salt and pepper. For more complex dishes with spices and sauces, you should wait a few more years, so the wine can fully develop its bouquet.
FOOD MATCHES FOR HERBIVORES: Grilled vegetables in olive oil, fried curry pumpkin with tomato rice, tofu burger with balsamic sauce or wild mushroom Cannelloni ... Go and pull the power out of your vegetables!