Jean Esprit, Perles Noires, Crozes-Hermitage, Rhône, France 2020

Deep and inky, with aromatics bubbling over with promise of ripe, rich black cherries, blueberries, bramble and damson, verging into compote. There's a lifted, high toned note to the aromatics too, bringing them even further forward out of the glass. Dense and plush in the mouth, showing lots of ripe dark fruit, clove, musk, cassia, and allspice. Lovely velvety tannins, but it lacks a bit of tension and lift and freshness. Member exclusive at £24.99.