2013 Bosquet des Papes "Chante le Merle Vieilles Vignes" Ch̢teauneuf-du-Pape

Deep ruby. Exotically perfumed scents of dark berries, dried flowers, incense and peppery spices; there was a lot of stem inclusion here and it shows. Spicy, sweet and penetrating, showing excellent depth to its black raspberry and floral pastille flavors, which spread out nicely on the back half. Pure, focused and seamless in texture, finishing with outstanding thrust and spicy persistence. (JR)