Mas du Soleilla Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape Les Bartelles 2007
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Wine Spectator
A big, rich and ripe red, with a meaty aroma that leads to intense mocha and dark chocolate notes. Hints of cream, dark cherry and spice complete the package. Finishes with intense beefy notes. Drink now through 2014. 2,200 cases made.
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Wine Enthusiast
With 80% Syrah, 20% Grenache and 15 months in oak, this is a big, powerful wine loaded with rich fruit and sultry spice. Dark cherry, cigar box, cinnamon and cardamom abound on the nose, with more kirsch, pepper and allspice unfolding on the palate. Creamy and lush in the mouth with a long, evolving finish full of mocha and dark chocolate-covered cherries. Delicious now or hold for 2-3 years.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Essentially a mountain on France’s Mediterranean coast, La Clape's vineyards vary in elevation by as much as nearly 1,000 feet. This tiny region also boasts some of France’s highest total hours of sunshine and produces aromatic whites from the Bourboulenc variety as well as full-bodied red blends from the usual Rhône suspects.