Search results for: 'California Cabernet Sauvignon'

From the winery: This Cote des Roses celebrates the MediterraneanArt de Vivre . The soil, which is very varied, is essentially made up of hard limestone from the garrigues, schistose soils but also gravel brought by the rivers of the Languedoc. The climate, warm and windy ("semi-arid Mediterranean climate with mild winter variations") favors the maturation of the grapes and their good health, while maintaining coolness thanks to the altitude and the effect of the sea, which attenuates the high summer temperatures. Its bottle is unique with a rose-shaped bottom, created by a young designer from the Ecole Boulle.

To obtain the intensity that characterizes this grape variety, Sauvignon needs to be picked at a precise moment. The grapes are tasted before harvest and then picked overnight to preserve the freshness of the fruit before being gently pressed upon arrival at the winery. During approximately 5 months, about 10% of the wine is vinified in French barrels, while the rest is put in thermo-regulated vats at low temperature to preserve the richness and freshness of the aromas. Finally, after a light fining, the wine is bottled quite early in order to preserve the fresh and fruity character of the wines.

94 Points! The red from this estate is also more than notable. Based on Merlot, Cabernet Franc, and Cabernet Sauvignon, the deep ruby/plum color of the 2020 Limoux is followed by classic Bordeaux-like aromatics of ripe darker cherries, smoked tobacco, damp earth, and cedar pencil, with some background chocolaty oak nicely integrated. Reminding me of a Pomerol from a ripe vintage, it holds onto rock-solid purity of fruit, has a seamless mouthfeel, ripe, polished tannins, and a great finish. This head-turning red from the south of France is one of those beauties that will shock you in a blind tasting. It should keep for at least a decade. - Jeb Dunnuck

94 Points! Lots of blackberries, dark chocolate, stone, and hazelnut. Lots of purple fruits. Full-bodied with polished tannins and a smoky, meaty and fruity finish. Very solid. Merlot, cabernet franc, cabernet sauvignon, syrah and malbec. Drink after 2025. - JamesSuckling.com

92 Points! Aromas of ripe fruit with fresh herbs and green walnuts that follow through to a full body, round and velvety tannins and decadent fruit. Delicious finish. A fascinating wine now that has evolved beautifully. Drink now. - jamesSuckling.com

This is 100% Grenache from 50-year-old vines planted in black schist and marl soils. The grapes are harvested by hand, the yield is a very low 23 hl/ha, and the wines are fermented under temperature-controlled conditions. Think about what you’d pay for some California vintner’s ‘limited’ Grenache (probably $30-40) and realize that this refined little gem sells for less than $20. Aged for 12 months in concrete, there’s a rich mouthfeel but sense of precision and purity to the mineral-laced cherry fruit, rose petal and earth tones. Round texture, loads of personality and complexity for this kind of price, the 2020 was a Wine Advocate 93 (this 2021 just arrived and is as yet unreviewed) so you know we are talking serious juice at a not so serious price.