M. Chapoutier Petite Ruche 2012

Martha Kelly AIWS rated this wine as 91/100 with the following review:

This refreshing wine is the perfect guest to have at dinner. Cassis and raspberry flavours overlap pungent spices, thyme, and a floral complexity. Medium bodied with refreshing acidity, and ripe tannins the flavours linger on the lengthy, juicy finish.
Enjoy on its own or pair with charcuterie, lamb, or carpaccio.
Drink now or cellar until 2019.
Date tasted: November 2014.

Heather Wall rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

A luscious ripe Syrah that gets its name from the little behaves inhabiting the vines. Ruche translated is 'hive'. Medium ruby purple colour with aromas and flavours of juicy red berries, preserves, cherry cordial, pepper, tobacco leaf, touch floral. The palate is rich and tannins youthful. Concrete vat fermentation and aging ensure preservation of fruit and temperature control. In fact, Chapoutier uses concrete vats for all of his reds. Medium bodied with medium+ acidity. Enjoyed with cured meats and assorted cheeses. Grilled red meat or rosemary and pepper encrusted Prime Rib roast.
Tasted: November 2014

Jane Staples rated this wine as 89/100 with the following review:

"Petite Ruche" or "Little Beehive' is a deep ruby red extra-dry wine made from 100% Syrah. It gives aromas of ripe red cherries and a hint of tobacco. Ripe red berry and peppery palate.
As the winemaker Michel Chapoutier says" wine should be made to pair with food" and he accomplishes this so well with his mouth-watering wines.
Great to accompany grilled meat, lamb, or pate.

Ghislain Lalonde rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Sd'A91, FBF, 4g/L

Sara d'Amato

So rich and with impressive depth of flavour. This plummy, smoky and broody Crozes-Hermiage of the biodynamically farmed Petite Ruche is a show stopping example of this less than consistent, large appellation. Terrific length. Notes of pepper, plum, black cherry and violets. Quite dry with youthful tannins. Depth of flavour is certainly above average from the price and appellation. A delicious surprise. Tasted November 2014.

Matt Steeves rated this wine as 90/100 with the following review:

Petite Ruche is made from 100% Syrah. Medium ruby red with a purple hue, this fruit rich wine has a youthful nose of crushed red berries, beet root, and grilled pepper. Medium bodied, with beautiful fresh field berries and pepper on the palate. Fermentation and ageing in concrete vats helps preserve the youthful fruit characteristics that shine in this tasty wine. Enjoy with artisan pate, charcuterie, salmon, pork tenderloin, or lamb. I enjoyed it with artisan cheese and deli meats which brought out the pepper notes in the wine. Tasted November 2014. 90 points. Matt Steeves - @QuercusVino