Domaine Jérôme Gradassi Châteauneuf-du-Pape (75cl, 14.5%)

A hand-produced Southern Rhône red blending 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvèdre, bottled at 14.5% ABV in a 750ml bottle. The smallest domaine in the appellation, it ferments whole bunches in concrete tanks with indigenous yeasts, followed by a four-week maceration with manual punchdowns, and ages the wine for ten months in neutral oak barrels four to ten years old. The nose shows ripe black and blue fruits, violet, dried herbs, licorice, woodsmoke and subtle earthiness. The palate is broad and generous with cassis and bitter cherry, floral and spice nuances, and a round, medium-bodied structure. The finish carries supple tannins and lingering smokiness with dried herb and dark fruit echoes.