Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
-
James Suckling
An earthy nose together with honeyed blackberries, musk, bark, dark chocolate, wet leaf and spice box. Medium-bodied with fine tannins. Nice texture with a fleshy, creamy feel to it. Spicy and meaty with some bitter herbs to close. Slightly evolved and old-fashioned, but shows some nice funk and complexity. Some will enjoy this, some might find it more challenging. Drink now.
Beyond the usual suspects, there are hundreds of red grape varieties grown throughout the world. Some are indigenous specialties capable of producing excellent single varietal wines, while others are better suited for use as blending grapes. Each has its own distinct viticultural characteristics, as well as aroma and flavor profiles, offering much to be discovered by the curious wine lover. In particular, Portugal and Italy are known for having a multitude of unique varieties but they can really be found in any region.
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.