Domaine du Val des Rois Signature Cotes du Rhone Villages Valreas, 2004

My last two bottles of this wine, in May and December of 2012, were rapturously good. This bottle, the last of a half dozen, has faded a bit from that level but is still enjoyable. Not to worry: I learned from the experience and will drink my bottles of 2007 Val des Rois within the next 18 months.

Brick red. Smells and flavors are laid back, not intense. Good Grenache doesn't die; it just fades away. Berries, spice and only a hint of pepper. Mostly red fruits; savory more than sweet. Very smooth on the palate. Some subtle notes of dried berries and flowers and a decent finish.