Pale to medium garnet-brick in color, the 2001 Les Amis opens with meaty, earthy and leather aromas fused with stewed tea notes, a touch of sauteed herbs and coffee. Rich, full and opulent, the palate is more spicy and fruity than the nose, and finishes with a similar spicy, long length. It is mature now and ready to drink until 2016+.
Aged 20 months in all new French oak. Single vineyard, planted 1901. Brownish garnet. Sweet, lifted black-cherry fruit. That marked silkiness that Grenache seems to excel at when it has some age in bottle. Intense and fresh enough not to show the alcohol.