La Pleiade, Chapoutier/Laughton 2008

The 2008 Cluster M45 (named after a star constellation, not London’s worst traffic nightmare) has a deep garnet purple color and aromas of warm cassis, dark chocolate and licorice with spicy hints of cumin seed and cassis. Crisp acidity balances the rich, full-bodied, buxom fruit with medium-firm, fine tannins to lend support. The finish is long with a touch of earthy / truffle character coming through. Approachable now, this wine needs another year or so to soften and marry and should continue to give pleasure to 2020+.

Formerly called “Cambrian,” this wine is a joint venture between Michel Chapoutier from France’s Rhone region and Ron Laughton of the Heathcote estate, Jasper Hill. Founded in 1997, the project yielded its first vintage in 2003. The 20 acre vineyard is located right next to Jasper Hill’s “Georgia’s Paddock” site and is planted with 100% Shiraz / Syrah cuttings coming 50 / 50% from Jasper Hill and Chapoutier vineyards.