2000 Tardieu Laurent Chateauneuf-du-Pape

A mature colour, with a slightly browning red hue in the glass, an enjoyable nose of smoke, earth, dried mint and sage alongside savoury plum fruit.

A layered wine that still has bright plum and dark cherry initially with a savoury, leather and almost herbaceous character building across the palate. The finish gives charcuterie and forrest floor, and a touch of characteristic iodine.

This is a great old world wine to drink that's in a wonderful place right now, expect it to hold for the short to medium term.