L'Ostal Cazes Minervois La Liviniere 2003

A deep, shimmering crimson color with intense aromas of blackberry and cherry, mingled with a touch of "garrigue" (thyme and rosemary, which grow wild in the vicinity of the vineyards). A powerful palate with supple, velvety tannins. The image of a "sun-splashed" vintage, this is a rich red wine of great length. Thanks to the exceptional summer weather conditions, the wine is already fleshy and luscious in youth, but will retain its freshness for a long time to come, due to its good tannic structure. 65% Syrah, 13% Carignan, 12% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre.

Admirers of Bordeaux know the Cazes family well. One leading wine publication memorably dubbed Jean-Michel Cazes "The New Baron of Bordeaux" for his stunning Château Lynch-Bages and Ormes de Pez. The Cazes family name has long stood for vision and dedication to top-flight winemaking. Now, this internationally renowned winemaking family has set its sights on southern France, lured by the promise of the vineyards of Languedoc. After much searching, Cazes, with Lynch Bages' chief winemaker Daniel Llose, discovered an exceptional site on the terraces of La Livinière and purchased a 370-acre property that enjoys the benefits of warm Mediterranean sunshine and the night time coolness of the Causse plateau. Cazes renamed the property "L'Ostal Cazes."