Mas Carlot Cabernet/Syrah 1999

In the old Provençal dialect, "Mas" means farm, and Nathalie Blanc-Marès is beautifully managing this 75 hectares farm with the aid of her husband Cyril Marès, owner of the neighboring property Mas des Bressades (yes, she married the boy-next-door). They are a great Provençal family - young and energetic with great vision and talent. Mas Carlot has 20 hectares planted to white varietals. The Clairette de Bellegarde is older than the appellation of Costières de Nîmes. It was created in 1952 and is planted exclusively with Clairette. Clairette is one of the main grapes for Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This cuvée is produced from vines planted in 1946 and harvested at 25 hl/h or about 1 ½ tons per acre. This wine is vinified in stainless steel which allows the wine to remain fresh and aged sur lie in tank after fermentation. The wine is rich on the palate and displays bright orchard fruit with hints of white pepper on the finish.