CHATEAUNEUF DU PAPE | FRANCE | $48
Pepper tickles the nose with firm blackberry, red cherry and plum filling the palate, then flavors of cedar, dark-roast coffee and loamy soil, and then it’s back to a peppery finish. A beautiful song circle, repeated throughout. Unctuous on the palate and smooth with a glossy, silky texture giving way to a persistent finish. Stout in build as well as character, this loyal friend shoulders the load and returns again and again, never asking a thing in return. A very good wine. (Reviewed 10/28/12)
