2012 Domaine des Escaravailles Les Hautes Granges

The quality of 2012 in the Southern Rhone has been confirmed beyond doubt. While volumes were down by up to 15% on 2011, the resulting wines show beautifully balanced fruit/acid/tannin profiles and generally moderate alcohols. Stylistically, comparisons are being made with the classic 2007 - more “Audrey Hepburn rather than Marilyn Monroe” as one commentator has described it. A vintage that's delighted vignerons, more importantly, it offers a bevy of bargains to consumers that will continue to reward for years to come.

Jean-Louis Ferran's grandson Gilles assumed control of this top notch Domaine in 1999 after working alongside his father for several vintages. Gilles works closely with his good friend and ubiquitous Southern Rhone consultant, Philippe Cambie. A 100% Syrah, the Haut Granges stands out from the outset with a magnificent colour - midnight black purple with a deep dark purple black tinged hue. The nose features liquorice and smoky clove over some black cherry, meat and spice notes. Full bodied and richly concentrated with explosive flavours of black cherries and liquorice overlaid by subtle clove; smoked meats in the background with nuances of black pepper present on the finish. Firm tannin structure provides the necessary support for this concentrated effort. Superb length with a long persistent aftertaste of black cherries, liquorice, smoked meats and spicy pepper. A richly textured Rhone delight that will cellar 6-8 years.
Alc 15% 

Other Reviews….
A blend of all Syrah, the 2012 Roaix Hautes Granges shows that high-quality Syrah can come from the south. Cassis, blackcurrant, pepper, smoke and chocolaty oak all come together here, and this full-bodied, deep and rich 2012 stays remarkably fresh, lively and pure. It will evolve gracefully for a decade.
92-94 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate