Arnaud de Villeneuve N° 153 2022

Back label description is spot on, telling us grenache and syrah get together for ‘smooth and refined tannic structure’ from ‘dark fruit, liquorice and spice.’ Truth to those tidbits but also expressly classic and idiomatic Côtes De Roussillon, captured at a mere 13.5 percent alcohol which is so welcome in these paradoxical days of climate crisis and roses. By the way Arnaud de Villeneuve is the author of a collection of aphorisms, gathered in the very famous ‘Parabolae Medicationis.’ And so the maxim ‘if it ain’t broke, why fix it’ would appropriately apply to this red blend, expressed, caught and suspended in time. Drink 2023-2026. Tasted June 2023. Score – 91. (Michael Godel, winealign.com)