Ch. Fortia Ch. du Pape Cuvee Baron '12 14.5%

French, Southern Rhone, Ch. du Pape
Ch. du Pape blend
$45ish

Poundability: 3/5
Value: 4/5
Overall: 4/5

Dark burgundy, red plum color with a nose of tart black berries.  Medium bodied.

Ripe blackberries with a nice peppery spice finish.  Light hints of black olive, leather, herbs and fruit punch/berry jam.  Got a little gamey/meatyness at the end.

Very long complex finish.  Soft, light tannin with mild acidity, but with great balance between the two.  Needed a long time to open, about 90 minutes and it really started to sing.  Great food wine but not to tannic that it can't be drunk on its own.  Slightly chewy, despite sounding gross was a good thing.  Drankin' patna' thought it had a "weird" finish, but still enjoyed it overall.  While CDP's aren't for everyone, an acquired taste if you will, I would definitely repeat and recommend, Ch. Fortia doesn't disappoint!

Picture pending.