Comte de Lauze – Réserve de la Comtesse 2018 – Châteauneuf-du-Pape

The nose is aromatic and offers a certain richness, power, intensity as well as a well-built fine grain. It reveals notes of cassis, small wild fruits, small notes of grey pepper, violet associated with small touches of blackberry, crushed strawberry as well as fine hints of crushed/candied blueberry, nutmeg, pink laurel, toasted, black olive, a very fine hint of tea and caramelization. The palate is fruity, well-balanced and offers a juicy/mineral frame, a good definition, juiciness, a good definition as well as gourmandize, tension, suavity and subtility. On the palate this wine expresses notes of juicy/pulpy cassis, blackberry, small notes of red berries associated with touches of violet, grey pepper, pink laurel, violet plum as well as very fine hints of spices, caramelization/toasted and a very discreet hint of vanilla (in the background). Good length. Tannins are well-built and very discreetly firm. A subtle hint of hazelnut and vanilla on the persistence.