2017
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Thézan-les-Béziers, 10km north of Béziers
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| Dry red - full bodied. Aged 30 months in oak barrels |
| 100% old vine Petit Verdot |
14.5%
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| Beef, lamb, game, duck, wild mushroom risotto |
Even better
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Now, or to 2030 and beyond
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100% Petit Verdot, from the estate's best old vine plots, aged for a 30 months in oak barrels and a further 10 months in stainless steel tanks. The colour is a deep, opaque purple, almost black - quite an imposing prospect, on opening, especially as I tasted it well-chilled, in 35° heat(!) But it really is surprisingly fresh - even refreshing - on both the nose and palate. Aromas of black cherry, bramble and cassis mingle with notes of tobacco, curry spices, damp earth and a hint of desiccated orange peel. The palate begins fresh and full of all manner of black and red fruit flavours, with wonderfully refreshing cherry skin and citrus acidity and earthy minerality. The texture is rounded, without being too silky or soft, and the ripe, lapsang tea-like tannins are grippy, without seeming at all harsh. The finish is sweet-sour, peppery-spicy and impressively long. Of course, this is a wine which is - strictly speaking - built for ageing (to 2030 and beyond). But don't let that put you off broaching it now. Although Petit Verdot's "home" is Bordeaux, it ripens beautifully in the Languedoc sun, and this is a stunning example of what it is really capable of. An exceptional wine, to drink or keep. |
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