March 26, 2022 - 80 % Grenache et 15.5 % d'alcool. Nez dominé d'arômes végétaux et minéraux. Fruits noirs discret et d'anis. En bouche, saveurs de fruits noirs avec des tannins poussiéreux...sensation d'umami. Charnu et texturé. Courte à moyenne finale ferme. On dirait un même un Madiran. Meilleur avec le repas. 90-
March 5, 2022 - 2 years since last tasting and these 2 years indeed did the finishing touch. This CdP is now fully ready, although a decant is recommended. We drank over 2 days, best on day 2. Wonderfull, strong cherry nose. Cherry, vanilla, and a touch of herbs and spice on the palate. Great harmony, and a sweet, nicely tannic and long finish.
December 14, 2021 - Ma dernière bouteille fut aussi ma meilleure et une belle surprise, vu le millésime. Les tanins sont fondus, le vin montre encore un beau fruit noir, doux et savoureux, avec une bonne profondeur. Long et bien équilibré, franchement impressionnant. 92 pts
December 16, 2020 - Ruby, deep core graduates to some bricking at rim; splendorous nose, dark fruits show well; potent, showy, powerful, yet carries 15% with ease. Grandstand finish, well proportioned. Drink now & next decade. Authentic C9P.
March 21, 2020 - Dark purple in the glass, with a very nice, cherry and herbal nose. The finish is very long, herbal and tannic, a bit sharp still. Very nice wine, well made, but I recommend 1-2 years of ageing extra.
December 1, 2019 - Obtained directly from the Importer/Distributor perhaps a year ago. Opened and poured a few ounces. Dark, dense black purple, no sign of age. Aromas quite reticent--a good 30 seconds of swirling release scents of crushed stone, black currants, forest floor, and a hint of wood smoke. On the palate the texture is surprisingly silky with broad flavors of dark fruit, grilled herbs, and chewy spices. The acidity is beautifully matched to the levels of rustic fruit, and while the tannins are still quite prevalent, and maybe even borderline aggressive, I would suggest this is entering its "very happy" stage based on the exquisite balance of all the components.
Some of the mediocre ratings for this wine are curious--perhaps bottle variation, poor storage, or just an awkward moment in the development of what I think is a quite excellent CDP from a generally underrated vintage. I first tasted this at a walk-around industry event and it stood out then. Maybe it just aligns with my palate preferences, but there's no doubt of the quality.
November 21, 2019 - Splash decanted. Blue and black fruits, leather, some bacon fats. Very nice.
October 24, 2019 - Pairs nicely with beef stew. Good weight and fruit concentration. Still young and tannic.
August 16, 2019 - Dark fruit forward - has evolved considerably in 2 years.
March 17, 2019 - Intense nose of Cherry and chocolate / coffee. Finish is a little disjointed, even though the pieces are there.