This is an excellent producer, but this was a real treat.  Besides their regular bottlings, they make 5 prestige cuvees and this is the top one. It comes in a squat bottle sealed with red wax.  The wine is a unique blend of 30% Counoise, 25% hundred year-old Grenache noir, 15% Syrah, 15% Mourvèdre, 5% Clairette, 5% Bourboulenc, and the remaining 5% Roussanne, Clairette rose, and Grenache blanc.  This is not a field b lend as the varietals are harvested separately.  They produced 944 bottles and 100 magnums.  Ruby/purple in color, mostly clear and bright.  The  nose has cherries and is quite earthy.  On the palate, the cherries come thru along with a cedar note over a rich earthiness.  This has a great complexity and while it will undoubtedly improve, it is drinking great today.  As it ages, it will morph as  different varietals take the forefront and others move to the background.  Drink over the next twenty years.  It will work well with roasted meats and fowl especially game meats.  

Grade: 
A
Score: 
94
Vintage: 
2018