2012 Ermitage du Pic Saint-Loup Cuvée St. Agnes

In the same ballpark quality-wise, the 2012 Pic Saint Loup Sainte Agnes (40% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Mourvedre and 10% Carignan) gives up notions of peppery herbs, underbrush, saddle leather and game to go with a medium to full-bodied, rich, and rounded profile on the palate. A wine for those who enjoy a little funkiness in their glass, it should drink nicely for 4-5 years. Run by the Ravaille brothers, Ermitage du Pic Saint Loup consistently releases well-made, quality efforts. www.ermitagepic.fr Importer: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524