Domaine de la Seminaire Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas, 2019

80% Grenache from vines planted in the 1940s, 10% Syrah from vines planted in the 1960s, 10% Mourvedre from vines planted in the 1970s--all on clay/limestone soils. This is a beautiful Cotes du Rhone Villages, probably the best Valreas I have had.

Medium deep crimson. Violets and fresh fruit aromas. Black fruit at first on the palate with some tannin that is not at all unpleasant. Then the red berry Grenache emerges on the mid-palate, teasing and pleasing, and opening up a range of flavors. Velvety texture with perfect acid/tannin balance. The finish, though, is what makes this wine special. It lingers beautifully long after the glass is empty, washed and put away.