Domaine Arlaud, Clos de la Roche Grand Cru 2011

(one-quarter of the Arlauds' Clos de la Roche vines are very old, the other three-quarters planted less than 30 years ago to clones): Medium red. Ineffable, sexy aromas of raspberry, strawberry, dried flowers, clove and cinnamon oil. Supple and open-knit if rather understated on the palate, offering a nice balance of fresh fruit and soil-driven saline character. Conveys an impression of rather soft acidity. Finishes with chewy tannins and a distinctly salty quality. This is the highest in pH of the Arlauds' 2011s, at 3.58.

• Reviewer Name: Stephen Tanzer
• Review Date: January 2013