February 18, 2024 - Quite a bit of bottle variation it seems.
January 14, 2024 - Amazingly well balanced for a 2017. 15.5% ABV.
August 3, 2022 - This was the last of six or so bottles of this, and it seemed much flatter and one dimensional than it did when it was younger. Still a great wine, but nothing to write home about, and age does not seem to be improving it.
May 28, 2022 - Ruby red. Berry aromas with some spice tones. Very nice primary red fruits - a bit darker on the back end. Medium finish. I thought this was fairly one-dimensional, but in a good way.
March 11, 2022 - Pulled, popped and poured which was a disservice to this bottle; it was rich and robust from the first pour but would have benefited from decanting for aeration. As other tasters have noted alcohol is a bit hot at first but it seems to “blow off” or integrate after some time exposed to oxygen. I believe this is 75 % Grenache, 15% syrah, 5% mourvèdre, 5% cinsault. It has the defining spiciness from the Grenache both on the nose and palate, but with time in glass more floral aromatics. Sweet ripe red fruits, lengthy finish. Looking forward to pulling another bottle and enjoying with a meal.
July 30, 2021 - Alcohol was at the forefront upon opening, then it blew off. Big tannins, chalky texture. Dormant? 88
Update: Much better showing after being vacuum corked for 30 hours. This needs 5+ years, or a long decant. 90-92+
Final update: Started to exhibit some heat again 40 hours in.
June 28, 2021 - Seemingly somewhat closed, or perhaps it's just the character of this vintage. Notes of old foudres and gunpowder. Marginally more open after 1 hour. 15.5% ABV, seamlessly integrated.
February 24, 2021 - I'd say this is about worth what it cost - and I guess that's a win. Like other Royer wines I've jad, it is pretty light for a southern Rhone and certainly for a CdP. But it is balanced, very drinkable, decent acidity (lack of backbone has been an issue with other Royers I've had). A little bit of barnyard, a little earthiness, and tart red fruit. This seems to me to be one to drink now rather than sit on.
September 27, 2020 - Bright fruit + Rhone white pepper made this a pleasant wine (better with food), but pretty straightforward and simple. Good QPR under $30
July 27, 2020 - Pizza Mundo, why not?, lovely rich CDP, will get better. Yum