2003 Perrin & Fils "Vinsobres Les Hauts de Julien". Côtes du Rhône Villages AOC, Southern Rhône Valley, France. 14% alcohol. $40. 500 cases produced.
Dark blood red color with thin moderately pigmented legs. A tight nose of warm plum, dark chocolate, wild game, and earth. Plush and well put together with stern though balanced structure. Everything is in place for a very fine wine but it just does not have enough fruit to offset the tannins and acid. A nicely textured finish with more dark chocolate and some drying tannin. This co-fermented blend of equal parts of Grenache and Syrah hails from a 7.5-acre parcel of 90 year old vines. The wine is tank aged save for 15% that is brought up in barrel. It was put into glass without filtration. Frankly this wine is a serious disappointment considering its vitals and pedigree. Drink 2010 to 2013. 85? points.