Am I alone finding the Northern Rhone reds riper and riper recently? Like this Esquisse 2017 from Domaine Des Hauts Chassis. In my memories the estate’s wines were occasionally a bit green 10-12 years ago, and this represents the other end of the spectrum.

While retaining typicity and having a moderate alcohol level of 13%, it shows a very ripe fruit profile. It could be called Shiraz. Opulent, dark, loaded with blackberry, overripe black currant flavors. Black olive, bacon, rosemary notes add interest. Medium-bodied, without alcohol heat, though flavors are slightly jammy and it lacks a bit of acidity and freshness, I miss a bit of length and structure. All in all, still a very good, enjoyable, generous red.