CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE | FRANCE | $34
A savory wine, firm and balanced, showing dark berry fruit integrated with organic notes full of rich soil, cedar, bay, cardamom and tar. And some very pleasant barnyard. On the light side of medium bodied with forward mid-tones and a silky mouthfeel. Fruit and soil are nearly indistinguishable here, and the result is a wine of wonderfully even proportions. This pleasant and social guest blends perfectly with others, interrupts with such grace the repartee astonishes — it must be scripted, no? — and holds the interest of all without ever seeming to control or influence the conversation. A very good, nearly excellent wine. (Reviewed 10/28/12)
