Score: 89+/100
This Languedoc Red by Clos des augustins is a blend made from low-yielding vineyards of Syrah and Grenache.
The Pic St Loup vineyard the grapes came from has a clayey and chalky soil, and a climate with both Mediterranean and continental influences in which temperatures vary from high during the day to low at night, especially in summer.
After fermentation at low temperatures, Le Gamin was aged for 12 months in rotation between new barrels and older ones under the control of consulting winemaker Pascal Chatonnet.
But How good is Clos Saint Augustin Pic Saint Loup Le Gamin?
Tasting Notes
This Languedoc red comes in a rather solidly dense red color, not your super-dark red, but looking solid.
The nose is a delight of fresh blackberry scents. It smells fruity and ripe, filled with juicy red berry notes, nicely complemented with elegant spices: black pepper, nutmeg and a touch of cinnamon.
Very enjoyable to smell with some depth!
Putting the wine in your mouth, it is confirmed there is great fruity juiciness in here, like when you bite into a crisp fresh cherry, or a fresh and ripe dark berry. You get the freshness of the acidity, somewhat saline, nearly salty, together with the richness from the fruit’s ripeness and powerful red berry aroma.
The spices provide some depth, while a very subtle touch of earthiness adds character.
The finish is a little dry and granulous, bringing a sense of austerity that may bother some, with some alcohol warmth also.
Overall
A very well made, juicy, fruity and characterful wine, dry in style but with bursting ripe fruit richness.
I personally found it very enjoyable, especially the fresh and bursting red acidic berry characters, while the slightly drying finish will make it a good friend of meaty or cheesy dishes.
Enjoy 🙂
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