pale red; the nose has a really accurate, pinpoint red-fruited, spiced aroma, on strawberry, instant freshness, a vegetal touch from the stems. The “other” varieties have helped its poise – it’s really naked, unadorned, impressive, is wide and sustained, skips out, but carries true foundation. The palate continues well, links to the nose, is on white pepper, much spicing, a compact strawberry juice at its centre, a touch of violet on the aftertaste. This is cerebral, slinky Châteauneuf, for the Thinkers. It holds well, is firm on the finish, the length good. It has a good skeleton, and will age well. The palate is perfumed, and there is glow on the aftertaste. “It will concentrate over the next year while it’s raised,” J-C Vidal. From 2022-23. 2049-52 Oct 2019