Winemaker Notes
In 2016, we have had slowly ripeness, thus preserving the fruit. Harvesting began with the Reds on September. The blend of different ‘terroirs’ and maturing techniques provides the complexity we are looking for. Maturing also contributes to this without leaving too much of a mark on the wine. As the Grenache and Mourvèdre were not very productive, there is more Syrah which gives the wine its floral and spicy flavors. Good ageing potential. To drink young after pouring into a carafe.
Blend: 70% Syrah, 13% Grenache, 12% Carignan/Cinsault, 5% Mourvedre
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2016 Saint Chinian Causse du Bousquet is a blend of approximately 74% Syrah, 10% Carignan, 6% Grenache, 6% Mourvèdre and 4% Cinsault. The Syrah is aged a year in barrels, the rest in demi-muids; following the blending, it stays another six months in tank prior to bottling. Strong espresso and black olive notes emerge on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate is impressively smooth and supple, marked by hints of blueberries and grilled meat that linger on the silky finish.
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.
An extensive appellation producing a diverse selection of good quality and great values, Languedoc spans the Mediterranean coast from the Pyrenees mountains of Roussillon all the way to the Rhône Valley. Languedoc’s terrain is generally flat coastal plains, with a warm Mediterranean climate and frequent risk of drought.
Virtually every style of wine is made in this expansive region. Most dry wines are blends with varietal choice strongly influenced by the neighboring Rhône Valley. For reds and rosés, the primary grapes include Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Cinsault and Mourvèdre. White varieties include Grenache Blanc, Muscat, Ugni Blanc, Vermentino, Macabéo, Clairette, Piquepoul and Bourbelenc.
International varieties are also planted in large numbers here, in particular Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon.
The key region for sparkling wines here is Limoux, where Blanquette de Limoux is believed to have been the first sparkling wine made in France, even before Champagne. Crémant de Limoux is produced in a more modern style.