2014
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Fos, in the hills near Faugères
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| Dry red - full bodied, aged 10 months in used oak barrels |
| A blend of Merlot and Petit Verdot |
13.5%
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Cassoulet, other rich meat stews, game, mature cheeses
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Even better
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Now, or over the next 5 to 8 years
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The estate's top red wine, this year with a somewhat different blend (i.e. no Syrah), again using re-toasted oak barrels, for just a subtle oak influence. Another difference for this vintage is that Simon bottled some of the wine with added SO2 and some without - "sans sulphites". And, having tasted the 2 different bottlings side-by-side, I actually opted for the un-sulphured version, which came across as fresher, slightly lighter, fruitier and more elegant. Once again, it is quite a deep colour with dense aromas of bramble and garrigue herbs, with background notes of pepper and spice and even less oak influence than the 2013. The palate is beautifully ripe and fleshy, with quite soft tannins balanced by nice acidity and again a hint of peppery spice. And whilst the 2013 is certainly softening and getting into its stride, this one is already there - soft, ripe and truly delicious! |
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