The 2012 Saint Chinian Etienne is a blend of 50% Syrah and 25% each of Grenache and Carignan that spent 18 months in 400-Liter barrels. It exhibits lots of violet, menthol, white pepper, plum and blackberry-like fruit to go with a medium-bodied, elegant, finesse-driven style on the palate. The balance here is superb, and it has enough silky tannin to evolve nicely for 4-6 years.