(2024) This is blend of Syrah, Grenache and old vine Carignan (more than 90 years old) grown on the schist soils of the historic Faugères appellation in the South of France. It's a darkly-hued but spicy and floral wine, but there's a liquorice and ash sense of terroir coming through the black fruit of its core. In the mouth that spiciness continues, and there's rustic grip to this that feels authentic and tastes delicious. It doesn't lack for supple fruit, or acid and tannin framework around it. Watch the video for more information and food matching ideas.
(2024) A wine from this historic Languedoc appellation that is mostly 20-year-old-plus Syrah (60%), blended with Grenache and Carignan. There's a lovely fruit compote sweet impression on the nose, someAgen prune and plump sultana characters, and fresher red berries in the mix. On the palate it is vinous and medium-bodied, dark vine fruits have a bittersweet plum skin edge. Tannins are quite grippy, acidity balances, for a gastronomic wine with a bit of oomph.
(2023) From the 'Cru' of La Clape in the Languedoc, a blend of Grenache, Syrah and Cinsault. Breezy, crunchy, bold red fruits in the nose are appealing. Raspberry and garrigue lift. In the mouth there is bags of fruit, again it's the juicy, buoyant red fruit that drives this, though a sandy weight of tannin and plucky acidity does add a serious note. Quite spicy in the finish, this is a double thumbs up at the mixed dozen price of £12.99
(2023) From Gerard Bertrand, this is a 50/50 blend of Grenache and Syrah. Compared to the Montjustin this mixes red and black fruit characters, a spicy lift to this giving a slightly more cool-climate character. The palate is deliciously ripe and buoyant, really very juicy and quite elegant too, good length and balance.
(2022) In the Languedoc, the Coteaux Cabrerisse is one of many small and less familiar IGP regions. This blends the cross-breed variety Marselan, a speciality of the Languedoc, with Merlot and Syrah. A fairly generic southern French blend nose, which means a bit of plum, a bit black berries and a touch of rustic earthiness and spice. Mouth-filling and substantial on the palate, there's a plush sweetness and some weight, though tannins are a little chewy. Quite a big mouthful, in need of some red meat protein perhaps.
(2022) Mostly Syrah with Grenache and Carignan from he IGP Val de Montferrand, and relatively high altitude vineyards. There's a fresh, tobacco smoke and slatey/herbal character on the nose. That gives a very crisp character, matching with a sleek black fruit on the palate. Dry with a little chewy bite to the palate through tight tannins and acids. Nicely done.