~$30US, 65% Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Cinsault, 5% Syrah, Chateauneuf-du-Pape, Southern Rhone, France
Deep crimson. Very tight on the nose and palate. WAY too young - this wine should be put away for at least 5-7 years, or opened at least 24 hours before you intend to drink it. I had this open for about 8 hours before it starting to put itself together. Red cherries, oregano, thyme, leather, and some interesting Mourvedre gameyness. A slightly unusual blend with a relatively high Cinsault component which may influence the overall taughtness.  Definitely on the elegant side of C-d-P, which I admire, but I felt that I had thrown the baby out with the bathwater opening this too soon. I think patience will be rewarded if you can sit on this one for awhile.