Score: 91/100
This Languedoc red by Lorgeril, produced on their Chateau de Pennautier estate in the small Cabardès appellation near Carcassonne, is a blend of Cabernet Franc 10%, Cabernet Sauvignon 25%, Merlot 20%, Cot 5%, Syrah 30%, and Grenache 10%.
Each grape variety was vinified separately, before an ageing of 14 months in French oak barrel, half of which were new and half used (1 to 3 years).
Tasting Notes
This Languedoc red comes in a pretty dark red color, that makes itself noticed for its intensity as soon as you pour the wine into your glass. Very dark to the core, and vibrant red to the rim, perhaps with hints of purple.
The nose feels, at first, both deep and lively. Lively fruity ripe red berry notes of blackberry and blackcurrant, augmented and freshened up by raspberry notes. These fresh fruit aromas are almost dominant to the nose, although they are nearly matched by tone of earthiness, like clay, some forest flour character, as well as earthy black pepper spices.
The palate throws pungent and surprising flavors of mint at first, followed by a big burst of punchy ripe and jammy red barriers, strawberry jam mixed with raspberry and blackberry coulis. Significant depth and complexity are brought in seriously as well, through a myriad of spicy peppery notes, both green and black pepper, but also nutmeg and clove, some cardamom too. A sense of sweetness backing up the fruit is also provided by subtle oaky notes of vanilla and sweet caramel.
Dry the wine is, with a sense of savoriness overall, to the finish especially, together with ashy tones. But tannins are quite dense and smooth, and accompanied by a solid body, although controlled and balanced for powerful yet pleasant whole that feels quite elegant.
Overall
A very well made red wine, balanced, powerful and characterful, delivering very precise and clean/clear flavors of fruit, with a wealth of food-friendly savoriness from clovy and peppery spices. Generous, dry, opulent yet controlled all at the same time, this young wine pleases and surprises by the precise expression of its own terroir it holds.
A young wine it feels likes. Although pleasing already, the slightly edgy tannins will benefit from a year in bottle, and it built-in complexity that resides in this Cabardès red should amplify and benefit from a 1 to 5 years cellaring.
Enjoy 🙂
Please let me know your thoughts