Crozes-Hermitage Pé de Loup

VA isn't loud here, but the smoke is - and that's the whole personality. Smoked taranka opens it, then tar, melted plastic, ground peppers, semi-dried blackberry layered behind. Cool, complex, the kind of aromatic register that takes a few minutes to map. Still charged on the palate, the tannin reading green - this one isn't fully resolved yet - but the acidity is sharp and class, and a touch of sweetness on the finish carries the structure through. A wine that rewards attention rather than the easy first sip.