Score: 90/100
This Languedoc red by Lorgeril, produced on their Chateau de Pennautier estate in the small Cabardès appellation near Carcassonne, is a blend of 60 % Syrah and 40 % Merlot.
Each grape variety was vinified separately, before an ageing of 12 to 18 months in French oak barrel.
Tasting Notes
This Languedoc red comes in a pretty dark red color, with a very dark red to the core and a vibrant clean dark red and purple hues to the rim.
The nose is fragrant and vibrant as well, dominated by ripe red berry notes, yet fresh ones. Raspberry and blackberry clearly come to mind as the dominant aromatic features, while lifted mintiness and white pepper spiciness add some exciting piquancy to the smell.
Some sweet spices, clove, nutmeg, as well as hints of vanilla and caramel, an overall sense of well-integrated oakiness provide a tempting sweetening depth.
Put the wine in your mouth, and it satisfies with much smoothness, velvety and relatively soft tannins coat your taste buds, while an oily body provide further richness to the texture. This is backed up opulent plum, jammy peach, and mixed berry jam flavors. Punchy and spicy on the flavors, yet not overly powerful, retaining a sense of elegance.
From the mid-palate on, a crisp acidity kicks in, delivering a sense of fruity freshness, and making the red berry flavor taste fresher and less cooked. It comes also, surprisingly, with a burst of warming alcohol, for an explosion of many layers of flavors to the finish: mint, pepper, berry jam, smoky oak and dark cocoa, all making for a rather long and complex finish.
Overall
A solid Languedoc wine, soft and smooth at first, yet surprisingly vibrant from a crisp acidity.
The overall concentration in tannins, acidity, alcohol and aromas is the standout feature, together with a very interesting spectrum of flavors and aromas.
When to Drink?
Give the wine 2-3 years to reach further balance and elegance, and temper what already appears like a well-made, intriguing and characterful wine.
Enjoy 🙂
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