Chateau Peyros Greenwich 43N 2012 Madiran

The name Greenwich 43N takes its name from the prime meridian line, which runs directly through the Chateau Peyros vineyards. A deep, impenetrable purple core with a dark ruby rim - totally opaque. An intense nose - black and red fruits dominate (cassis, bramble and plum) together with spicy/peppery notes and some well-integrated coffee-infused oak. Immensely rich and full-bodied, with masses of dark fruit flavours, spicy, chocolatey tannins and excellent underlying acidity - well balanced, in a big sort of way. The tannins are undoubtedly winning at the moment, but this is a wine for the long term. The fruit is multi-layered and concentrated and will definitely come to the fore after a few more years in the cellar. It can be drunk now, but definitely needs rich food to bring the best out of it - something flavoursome and fatty, such as a rib of beef, lamb chops or duck. An excellent wine for the long haul.