Score: 90/100
So why is this wine by Laurent Miquel called ‘Pas de Géant’ you may wonder?
This is how the producer explains it: « Our ‘Pas de Géant – Giant steps’ Languedoc celebrates the wild beauty of two iconic regions – Languedoc in the South of France, and Giants Causeway in Ireland. Both are natural, unspoilt dramatic landscapes. Ireland, my homeland, has been associated with the story of French wines over many centuries – as a Franco Irish couple we are writing a new chapter. »
This blend of 80% Syrah with 20% Grenache from the Languedoc wine region is a brand-new label by LM, this 2014 being the first ever vintage.
Harvest was done at dawn to make the most of cooler temperatures, with a parcel selection. The wine was fermented in stainless steel tanks with long maceration at relatively high temperature to give this Pas de Géant generosity and roundess.
40% of it was aged in French oak wine barrels (1/2 years old) for 6 months, while the remaining was kept in stainless steel tanks to preserve the primary fresh berry flavors and aromas.
So How Good is Laurent Miquel Pas de Géant Red?
Tasting Notes
This Languedoc red comes indeed in a rather dark red color, nearly black-red to the core, bright and clear red to the rim.
The nose feels dense and strong, filled with dark cocoa notes (definitely smells like dark Chocolate) and dark berry fruity aromas.
Some peppery spices, cherry liqueur, strawberry jam, and nutmeg add both lifted spicy tones and depth from very ripe fruity notes.
Expecting power and concentration from the nose, the palate surprises by its juicy acidity. Is probably felt here the input of the Grenache wine in the blend?!?
While Syrah tends to be all about tannins and bold flavors, Grenache often comes in with more of an easy-going approach, fresh fruit characters and approachable upfront fruitiness. It seems to be the case here with the somewhat austere strength of the Syrah mellowed down by its blending companion!
Yes, the spices and powerful ripe dark berry flavors are here like we expect from a Languedoc Syrah-Grenache. Tannins are smooth and the body rather full.
But there is also some quite crisp an acidity, and saltiness to the finish making the wine feel vibrant and somewhat tangy, a little like a blueberry juice.
Well integrated oak, nice gingerbread sweet spices complete the profile of a wine that has much to say, and much to be enjoyed about.
So, enjoy ?
Check Out the Video of my Visit to Laurent Miquel Winery
Please let me know your thoughts