Domaine Alquier Faugeres 1998

Domaine Alquier Faugeres 1998: This is the Alquier's basic cuvée, which is predominantly Grenache. An earthiness to the appearance suggesting early maturity, and moderate intensity, but still packed with colour. A lovely nose of very ripe, smoky Grenache fruit, with notes of raspberry, black cherry, rosemary and black pepper. Full bodied and very masculine on the palate, with plenty of ripe, meaty tannins and firm acidity behind the black cherry fruit. Good texture too, before a firm, tannic finish. Drinking now, but will happily stay in the cellar for three or four years more too. 16.5/20 (19/4/04)