2012 Domaine Grand Nicolet Cotes du Rhone

Opaque black dark red colour with a dark crimson red hue. Aromas of black raspberries intermixed with sour cherries are followed by some meaty earth like characters, herbs and pepper. Medium weight but a little lighter and showing more elegance than previous releases the palate has generous flavours of dark raspberries, black cherries and dried herbs over a meaty background with a peppered finish. Slightly chewy mouthfeel with solid but fine grained tannins and bright acidity. Aftertaste of black cherries, herbs, dried meats and pepper.
Cellar 3-4 years.
Alc. 14%

Other Reviews….
A pretty, exceedingly elegant and spice-filled effort, the 2012 Cotes du Rhone gives up notions of sweet red cherries and darker berry fruits, cedary spice, spring flowers and dried herbs. This is followed by a medium-bodied, fresh, lively and focused effort that has moderate concentration, fine tannin and a focused, elegant and balanced personality that should evolve nicely for 3-5 years.
89 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate