Le Blason du Prince 2012

<p> With a Gold medal from one of Burgundy's most prestigious competitions, this gorgeous, velvety Rhône red offers terrific quality and value. It's from the only co-operative cellar in Châteauneuf du Pape, the top appellation of the southern Rhône, a cellar owned and run by local growers. </p> <p> The grapes, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, are from vineyards that abut the famous name appellation and share the same stone strewn soil that promotes superb ripeness and richness of fruit. The vines are old and gnarled, producing few grapes but with rare concentration of flavour. </p> <p> In the hands of well travelled winemaker Thierry Ferlay these precious grapes have achieved show stopping glory in this 2012 vintage. Wild strawberry, ripe raspberry, spice, herb and pepper aromas, and on the palate, mouthfilling black plums, cassis and sweet spice. Fantastic depth, too. Spot on with roast lamb, a robust cassoulet, duck or a slow cooked casserole. </p>