Mont Tauch (France) Fitou Les Douze 2006
This is a wine I have recommended before in earlier vintages, and one that always delivers. ‘Les Douze’ are 12 of the vine-growing members of the Mont Tauch cooperative in the Languedoc. The dozen changes each year, as the co-op makes a selection of the best grapes to make this wine, and the 12 lucky vignerons get their names on the front label, and picture on the back. A blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, it has a beautifully deep, creamy and dense nose of ripe fruit, suggesting plum and firm black berries, with a nice little hint of baked pastry and a touch of earthiness. On the palate this has lovely authority and energy, with crisp, medium bodied and creamy fruit set against fairly chunky, rustic tannins that give real, spicy grip. The balance is very good, with a cherry acidity and some more of that earthy, robust character coming through, in a savoury, food-friendly wine with plenty of concentration and richness. £6.49, Majestic.
