Mas de Gourgonnier Les Baux de Provance Rouge 2006
Red Wine
from Provence, France
winemaker's notes:
Nature behaves better in Provence than practically anywhere else.
We can't blame her—after spending a few bucolic afternoons at the foot of the Alpilles, amid intoxicating perfumes of pine and garrigue, this is one paradise from which we would not want to be expelled.
Since the early 1970s, Mas de Gourgonnier has cared for its vines and olive trees completely organically—and has the certification to prove it. But it's not like you need a bureaucratic piece of paper to tell you that this wine is the real deal—just one look at the vineyards and you know that nothing artificial will come between you and this bottle of Mas de Gourgonnier Rouge.
The Cartier family—Luc, Lucienne and daughter Eve—work plenty hard to keep this system running smoothly, and the quality is evident. The 2006 Rouge is a knock-out, captivating red with everything you could want: perfect balance, bottomless depth, dynamic flavor and certainly great potential for the cellar. The power of the family's Cabernet Sauvignon in 2006 is especially tantalizing, giving this blend of Cabernet, Carignane, Grenache and Syrah incredible structure and great mouthfeel.
This juicy, deliciously complex red blend combines 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 33% Carignane, 20% old-vine Grenache and 10% Syrah. Incense blends with blackberries on the lusciously perfumed nose; wonderfully grippy tannins present a structured yet silky mouth of black cherries with a serious amount of spice. The finish is fine and lingers with notes of cassis, black pepper and the unforgettable scent of garrigue that grows wild over this extraordinary, 100% organic Provençal domaine.
"This impressively concentrated rendition of Gourgonnier – only 13% in alcohol, interestingly – is slightly rustic in its tannins but will prove exceptionally versatile at table... the wine is always matured in a mixture of tank and cask, never bottled much before the next harvest, is always distinctly recognizable as Gourgonnier, and always represents excellent value."
-Wine Advocate