2017 Cotes du Rhone Cuvee Special

Organic. 95% Grenache (70 years old), 5% blend of other grapes (70 years old). 100% stems. On the border of Châteauneuf, Courthézon side. Eight months in two- and three-old barrels, then 10 months in foudres (Tronçais and Allier). Bright crimson. Still rather light nose. Juicy and sweet and very ‘new wave’ Grenache indeed (meaning light and fresh and rather Pinot-like). Lots of fine tannin on the end so clearly ambitious. Very interesting ‘new’ interpretation. I’m just slightly worried about the gripping nature of the tannin at this point. (JR)