Domaine la Boutinière Châteauneuf-du-Pape Vieilles Vignes La Crau

Clove and cinnamon heavy on the nose. Immediate and intense aromas of herbs as soon as the cork was pulled. Despite being CDP, it was a bit out of balance and hot.

Cellar grab to take to a local restaurant here in Miami, had been purchased on a whim since I wasn't familiar with the producer, but - as is well documented, I'm a sucker for southern Rhone wines. A blend of 70% Grenache, with 10% each of Syrah/Mourvedre/Cinsault. The producer themselves - gave myself a quick crash course - founded a little bit over a century ago, with a fourth-generation winemaker at the helm, Frédéric Boutin - who's been in charge …

Rather mundane CdP. Not much complexity and depth.

Flowers and red fruits form the core of this medium-bodied, soft, polished, accessible, easy-to like charmer, with a fresh, bouquet garni and mint character that comes in at the end of the finish. This will be a pleasure to taste on release. The wine blends 70% old vine Grenache, 10% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah and 10% Cinsault. Drink from 2022-2029.