(2017) A firm, tannic and intense Châteauneuf, this is mostly Grenache with 20% Syrah and 10% Mourvedre and is polished, dense and fairly closed on the nose, though with a black fruit concentration. The palate maintains that concentration, a rich, deep inkiness, but real sweetness of fruit does come through as well as spice, and the heat and fat of the alcohol. Liquoricy and very firm, it nevertheless does reveal little glimpsed of more aromatic and peppery, even floral characters, but the intensity never lets up.