2012 Columella

Usefully wet winter replenished water reserves. 76% Syrah, 17% Mourvèdre, 7% Grenache with an average yield of 18–22 hl/ha. First year's ageing in barriques (10% new) and second in foudres. I included this in a tasting for guests at Soneva Fushi in the Maldives and they were blown away by the quality and distinctiveness of the blend. Such a serious, genuinely unique wine… So many layers of interesting flavour. (JR)

12 months in small oak and then 12 months in foudres. ‘Don’t worry about tasting reds before whites, our whites always destroy the reds. White vines much older than reds.’ RS about 2.8 g/l. Much less intense colour than the 2005. Mid crimson. Lively freshness on the nose. Real tension and great juiciness. Something much more mineral than the 2005. Really appetising. Sinews and very long and juicy. Beauty and personality. (JR)

Good bright ruby. Deep, musky, nuanced nose combines raspberry, flinty minerality, rose petal, anise and crushed herbs; reminded me of a northern Rhone wine. Then broad, round, dry and complex on the palate, with the musky red fruit and floral flavors accented by pepper and flint notes. Still an infant today, this classically dry, very long wine finishes with extremely suave, even tannins, outstanding breadth and a wonderful light touch. Splendid potential here.