Simon Field | Imperious color, subtle gradations despite its youth, and an immediately expressive nose of violets, blueberry, jasmine, and iron oxide. The palate maintains the narration of seduction, discreet and poised, the flamboyant nose deferring to the lexicon of propriety and the rigors of patience. An attractive counterpoint to some of Grenache’s more masculine displays, this one is florid and softly outspoken. | 91

Andrew Jefford | Deep and dark, though not opaque; some purple among the black-red. Astonishing aromas: powerfully scented, grapefruity Cascade-hop scents, with bergamot and Cologne-like bitter orange, almost like a perfume itself. These take me aback rather: Can Grenache really do this? There is some nettle and sweet cherry fruit, too. A super-scented head-turner. A very special terroir (which we know schistous Maury has), a very special method of canopy management, a particular clone, or... Might this be a blend with some very aromatic Syrah, so that what we are in fact smelling is the Syrah component rather than the Grenache itself? That is the only way I can account for what the glass offers. All of this is very apparent on the palate, too, which is light and dancing, graceful and perfumed, and maintains the head-turning, perfumed citrus note. I find this a very hard wine to score in this tasting, since as a wine it is magnificent and very beautiful indeed, yet as a “Grenache” it is a bit of an enigma. | 92

David Williams | High-toned and pretty—make that beautiful—with a distinctive rosehip and grenadine character: gorgeous, arresting, fresh- fruit intensity. That prettiness gives way with a swoop of tannin and minerals, and an almost racy feel on the finish. So distinctive. | 93