Clos Saint Michel, Cuvee Reservee, Chateauneuf-du-Pape Rhone

Lighter side but refreshing

Clos Saint Michel's 2019 Cuvée Réservée is a deep-to-opaque crimson blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre and 30% Syrah. Packed with steeped plums, dark bramble fruits, Provençal herbs, licorice and black olive tapenade, it is a full-bodied Châteauneuf with fresh acidity, subtle oak, well-integrated alcohol (14.5%) and ample plush tannins. Dense on the mid-palate and lengthy on the finish, this is a delicious Southern Rhone that is drinkable now but will surely go through many different enjoyable stages over the …

Smooth, soft tannins, red fruit, cedar. Had it during a tasting. Good but not exceptional. Maybe in 6 years it will be awesome? Didn't buy it. List was $52 and we valued it at $30.

This wine is deep crimson to purple in the glass with restrained nose of dark red fruit. On the palate we find plum, dark cherry, and baked blueberry. There are also notes of charcuterie and oak. The tannins are soft and acidity mild. Almost perfectly balanced after it opens. Strongly recommend decanting for 2-3 hours to allow the fruit notes to show themselves.

The kirsch takes on a smoked, meaty quality that comes along with licorice, peppery spice, herbs and olives. Lush, rich and equally vibrant, this is going to be just great after a few years in the cellar. Drink from 2025 - 2036

Initial sour note - rich dark fruit - Cherry & Blackberry. Hints of Earth/Cigar & Spice. Med Acidity & Soft Tannins. Excellent balance with a long fruit filled finish. A smooth rich complex wine that needs time to breathe.