Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Notes of Mediterranean herbs, spices, dark berries, mulberries and flowers preface the 2023 Minervois Les Fontanilles, a medium to full-bodied, dense and layered wine framed by elegant, sweet tannins, culminating in a long, spicy and mineral finish. This is a classic in the making.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Still a bit shy on the nose, the 2023 Minervois Les Fontanilles reveals dense and refined, but still very young tannins on the palate. This blend of equal parts of Cinsault, Grenache Noir, Carignan and Syrah showcases layered aromatics of incense, candied cherry, blood orange, dark chocolate, roasted almonds, a bit of prune and cumin. Long on the finish, it has concentration and extract and is definitely a wine to open in advance. Drink 2025-2032.
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.
Recognized for its concentrated and sultry reds made predominantly of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, this western Languedoc appellation is also famous for the charming and delicate fortified Vin Doux Naturel called Muscat de St. Jean de Minervois. The dry rosé and white wines of Minervois are also worth seeking out.