Beaumes de Venise AOP is the most recently created Rhone appellation for production of red wines (2005) and is picking up a fantastic reputation for excellent wines. Here the higher altitude vineyards are at 350m, on the slopes of the `laces of Montmirail` a jagged Jurassic mountain range. The vineyards soils are much rockier with marls and limestones. Grapes are selected carefully by hand and vinified seperately. Natural fermentation in concrete amphorae `eggs` followed by 3 weeks maceration. 2 years of ageing in the eggs leaves the wine soft and elegant. Dark chocolate, blackberry and earthiness fill the nose followed with rich flavours of black fruits, pepper and olive tapenade. The finish is long with silky tannins.