2017 Les Amis
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Tasting notes
The 2017 Les Amis Grenache leads with the leather and tar notes that I expect from the season, yet it is couched within a spicy, exotic-feeling array of spices. The tannins here are profuse and have a resinous cast, however the fruit spills over it all. This has a fresh and palate-staining intensity of fruit. 15% alcohol, sealed under natural cork.
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Average Score
James Suckling
Josh Raynolds
More reviews and scores
Shimmering ruby. An expansive, assertively scented bouquet evokes cherry and raspberry preserves, incense and candied flowers, along with a Moroccan spice accent. Shows impressive depth as well as energy to its red fruit, floral pastille and spicecake flavors, which spread out and gain sweetness with aeration. Closes on an emphatic floral note, with rounded, even tannins that share focus and superb, red fruit-driven persistence.
David Slade’s grenache in Greenock delivers smaller berries and bunches. This has been elevaged in French oak barriques for 24 months. Pomegranate and spiced berry-pastry aromas, together with earthy, leathery and spicy character. The cooler vintage has delivered quite complex style. The palate has a very juicy feel with a bolder oak thread and quite a chiseled palate for grenache. Plenty of structure here. Drink or hold.