Country: France / Vieilles Vignes
Variety: Rhône-style Red Blend Rhône Valley
Winery: Tardieu-Laurent / Châteauneuf-du-Pape
This is a rugged, firmly tannic rendering of Châteauneuf-du-Pape that requires time in the cellar to reach its full potential. That said, it may also pose a risk, because there are hints of Band-Aid on the nose and a slightly metallic edge to the finish that may worsen over time. The other flavors are potent and concentrated: plum, chocolate and licorice all leave lasting impressions on the palate. Try after 2016.