Domaine Gilles Robin, Crozes-Hermitage (Rhône Valley, France) 2010

The grapes for this old-vines cuvée are from vines planted in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  The pedigree allows for more seasoning with oak so that the wine spent one year in a mix of 600 liter demi-muid and barrique.  However, only 10% of these barrels were new, so that overt oak influence is avoided.  The seasoning is the complexity gained from the oxidative influence of the barrels.  The final wine is a deep ruby color with hints of pink and purple on the edge.  The wine stains the glass with its concentration.  Ripe plum, cassis, and blackberry fruit are complemented by red apple skin, charry meat, candied violets, black pepper, and sweet lavender fragrance.  The texture is supple though underpinned by granite and vibrant acidity.  The finish is long and graceful.