From a selection of old vines grown from rocky soils in the warmest parcel on the estate, the Louise-Amelie is exactly what is right in the world of Old World wines. The nose starts with candied red fruits and violet perfume but then a sinister, smoky, camphor note comes creeping in, thus hinting at the 20% or so Syrah mixed in with the Grenache. The palate is a luch and lovely blend of the fruit, weight and concentration that has become so common in the Rhone mixed with the spice, complexity, earth and minerality that used to be so common in the Rhone. Layered, intense, balanced, pure and long, this is a lovely bottle of wine and further proof that just because it says Chateauneuf doesn't mean it is the true expression of the Rhone anymore. This is what Rhone wines should aspire to be.