Intensity is the hallmark of the 2009 ‘Vieilles Vignes’ from Domaine Chante Cigale. A nose of concentrated, deep, dark and black spicy fruit and ripe red fruit on the nose with a lifted violet aroma, hints of vanilla and sweet spices. The palate is at once suffused with sweet-ripe plums, counterpoised by the savouriness of black tapenade, saltiness and finely grained wood. Leather, cloves, a hint of aniseed and a mix of ripe black fruit and cooling herbs is also present. The finish is supple and rounded with excellent integration, complexity and concentration. Open long before serving, ideally from a decanter. One to decant then savour.