Decanter World Wine AwardsAll wines
Recommended wines
Chateau Salitis, Cuvee des Dieux, Cabardes 2005
Brisk, fresh, cedar and vegetal notes and attractive black fruit compote bouquet. A good food wine with supple tannins - ticks all the right boxes. Complex, taut, concentrated and utterly drinkable. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (17.17 points)
POA Jeroboams branches (020 7259 6716), Laytons (020 7288 8888)
Pierre Gaillard, Domaine Cottebrune, Parole de Berger, Faugeres 2009
Crushed berry, plump plum and rich chocolate nose. Good natural acidity and tannins surround spicy, rich, savoury, mineral and ripe cherry fruit. An interesting, terroir-driven wine with some ageing potential. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (16.63 points)
Domaine du Meteore, Les Orionides, Faugeres 2007
Dark berry, grilled meat, smoky game, mint, bitter chocolate, garrigue and Mediterranean warmth on the nose. Powerful tannins lend support to a very expressive, lush and broad palate. Savoury with succulent berry fruit and layers of flavours. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (17.13 points)
Les Hauts de Montfort, Les Megalithes, Minervois 2009
Firm nose of red fruit pastilles. A charming and drinkable, light, aromatic style with fine supporting tannins. Good flavoursome stuff with freshness and character. Nice substantial wine. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2013-17. (17.83 points)
Chateau de La Liquiere, Cistus, Faugeres 2009
Perfumed, fresh Syrah fruit, smoke, herb and spice bouquet. Palate has lovely depth of flavour, masses of black fruit, delicious ripeness. Complexity thanks to an interesting blend of varieties which add an edge to the naturally pure flavours of the Syrah. Has Faugeres charm. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (17.25 points)
n/a UK www.chateaulaliquiere.com
Chateau Laville Bertrou, Minervois-La Liviniere 2009
Dense, rich and spicy nose with cassis and oak hints. Very youthful blackcurrant, mint, coffee and cinnamon notes. Ripe, rounded, savoury, balanced and bright wine. Nice, complex, interesting flavours. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-15. (16.63 points)
£13.30 (2008) Nicolas branches (020 7436 9338)
Chateau la Grave, Expression, Minervois 2009
Open scent of lightly cooked strawberries. Light, pure and fragrant with nice mineral notes, good acidity and a nice long finish. Sleek textured and supple with a firm core. Very appetising and pretty. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-15. (16.5 points)
£9.41 Essentially Wine, Surrey (01737 557 737), Peter Watts Wines, Essex (01376 561 130)
Gerard Bertrand, Terroir, Minervois 2009
Fragrant, floral, red fruit, cassis, spice and oak perfume. A vibrant, modern style offering natural purity and depth. Quite lush and forward with plenty of upfront fruit. A long, complex finish and acidity freshens it. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-15. (16.5 points)
Domaine L'Ostal Cazes, Estibals, Minervois 2008
Animal, farmyard and some spicy red fruit on the nose. Supple, spicy and pretty palate with a nice balance. Elegant wine with fine concentration and raspberry fruit. Very well judged and appealing. Good with game. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2013-15. (16.6 points)
Hegarty Chamans, No. 1, Minervois 2005
Attractive blackcurrant, ripe red fruit and rich liquorice bouquet. Delicious wine with a fine silky texture, vibrant cassis and berry fruit depth and a hint of nutmeg spice. Really perfumed and complex. Well integrated and very long. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (17.5 points)
Domaine de la Borie Blanche, Terroir d'Altitude, Minervois-La Liviniere 2008
Fragrant, almost floral nose with some spice. Soft, ripe, perfumed and pretty palate which is beautifully balanced. Has freshness, complexity and purity. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2014-18. (16.67 points)
n/a UK www.lorgeril.com
Chateau de Paraza, Les Baronnies, Minervois 2010
Unforthcoming, simple, primary fruit nose. Ripe, quite velvety palate with juicy, berried core. Fresh and engaging with nice minerality, tannin and acidity all in balance. Opulence held in check by elegance. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16.67 points)
n/a UK Tel 0033 6 17 87 51 46
Domaine Terres Georges, Quintessence, Minervois 2009
Cherry, fig and prune fruit, sweat, leather, medicinal and minty aromas. Rich and supple with ripe, spicy, raisined fruit. This packs a punch but has bite and complexity. Big, ripe and oaky but well executed. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-15. (16.9 points)
n/a UK www.domaineterresgeorges.com
Chateau Maris, 10 Years, Minervois-La Liviniere 2009
Lively and lifted fragrant plum, berry and cherry fruit perfume. Rich, suave and quite concentrated, with lovely ripeness. A taste of the south, it has good elegance and complexity with grip, vibrancy and structure. Good classy length. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (16.5 points)
Borie la Vitarele, Les Terres Blanches, Saint-Chinian 2010
Concentrated ripe blackberry and black cherry on the nose. This has a lovely texture and spice, good acidity, elegant tannins and lively, pure sweet, ripe fresh fruit. Has a full flavour. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (17.13 points)
Mas Gabinele, Rarissime, Faugeres 2009
Black fruit, spice, smoke and tapenade on the nose. This has lots of extraction but is all in balance. Vigorous fruit and good structure on the attack, then fruit and tannins soften to a long, mellow finish. Very appealing. Complexity to come. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-15. (16.75 points)
n/a UK www.prieuresaintsever.com
Chateau du Prieure des Mourgues, Grande Reserve, Saint-Chinian 2007
Meat, lavender, cassis, dry spice and deeply extracted fruit aroma. Full, youthful and rich, this has lovely warm and spicy fruit. A very solid wine with a coffee-like flavour. Oak tannins are slightly prominent, but don't spoil the overall enjoyment. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (17 points)
Chateau Hautpoul, Minerovis 2009
Really attractive purity of red fruit and clean oak on the nose. Nice lush fruit, fine texture and lively, vigorous primary fruit with plenty of acidity. Has some ripe tannin to build on. Pretty and enjoyable. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011. (16.83 points)
n/a UK www.chantovent.com
Domaine La Madura, Grand Vin, Saint-Chinian 2008
Oak, herb and animal aromas. Earthy vineyard expression. Firm and uncompromising with distinct Mourvèdre character. Firm Carignan tannins. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-15. (15 points)
Domaine des Pres Lasses, Caste Viel, Faugeres 2008
Oak, spirity dark fruit and herbs on the nose. Good balance and mature fruit palate. It is quite simple, ripe and full with a firm tannin streak. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
n/a UK www.pres-lasses.com
Domaine de Clarmon, Clara, Minervois 2009
Cooked fruit, raisined elements and solid oak aroma. Very rich, ripe and opulent palate with slightly stewed Grenache flavours developing fast. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-15. (15 points)
n/a UK www.clarmon,perso.sfr.fr
Domaine de Cebene, Les Bancels, Faugeres 2009
Confected black cherry, blueberry and cassis bouquet. Easygoing, ripe, supple and agreeable wine with light acidity. Not for long-term ageing. Alc: Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
£15 Leon Stolarski Fine Wines limited, Notts (0115 953 8817)
Domaine de Cazalet, Faugeres 2009
Meaty, animally, herbal, spicy, opulent black fruit and minty aroma. Full-bodied, firm tannins, force and vigour. Has flavours of plum, tar and chocolate. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
n/a UK Tel 0033 4 67 90 28 23
Mas Gabinele, Faugeres 2009
Spice, red fruit, mint and blueberry nose. Attractive, rich and quite expressive, rounded fruit, poised tannins and juiciness. Soft and confected style. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.13 points)
£16 (2008) Jeroboams branches (020 7259 6716), Laytons (020 7288 8888)
Domaine du Tabatau, Camprigou, Saint-Chinian 2010
Crushed berry and slightly confected jammy fruit nose. Pretty, rewarding wine with elegant fruit and good acidity. Juicy, forward and long. Drinking well now. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (15.25 points)
£12 Joseph Barnes, Essex (01799 528 019 / www.josephbarneswines.com)
Les Amants de la Vigneronne,De Chair et de Sang, Faugeres 2009
Earth, oak, concentrated black fruit and spice aromas. Solid and round with full cassis fruit and oak on teh palate. Intense, yet shows good vineyard depth. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-15. (15.25 points)
£18 Ten Green Bottles (www.tengreenbottles.com / 07968 502 668)
Les Terrasses de Gabrielle, Et Moi Et Moi Et Moi, Saint-Chinian 2008
Cherry, liquorice, vanilla, summer flowers, asparagus and syrup. Attractive red fruit on the mid-palate and a chalky grip. A well-made and attractive wine. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011/2. (15.25 points)
Pierre Gaillard, Domaine Cottebrune, Transhumance, Faugeres 2009
Coffee and oak nose. Oaky fruit is dominating the palate but it should develop. Appetising and fresh with pure fruit flavours. Nice balance. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2013-15. (15.17 points)
Cave de Roquebrun, Les Fiefs d'Aupenac. Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2009
Exotic nose of spice fruit, black cherry, chocolate mint, smoke, liquorice and tar. Broad, round and supple with gentle tannins and low acidity. Super-ripe. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-15. (15.13 points)
Cave de Roquebrun, Seigneur d'Aupenac, Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2009
Aromas of lush, spicy black fruit, meat, syrup, red berry and vanilla. Excellent weight but has a lot of tannin. Ripe and succulent with zest and energy. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-13. (15 points)
Laurent Miquel, Bardou, Saint-Chinian 2007
Rich, spicy, earthy, leathery nose with dominating oak. Very good concentration but quite extracted. Has black cherry fruit and a full wight of spicy fruit. Alc: 14%. Drink 2013-16. (15.13 points)
Domaine la Croix Ste-Eulalie, Baptiste, Saint-Chinian 2010
Classic aroma of primary fruit, plum and dark berries. Plenty of structure from tannin and acidity. Supple, easygoing wine with some concentration and bite. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.13 points)
Domaine Borie de Maurel, La Feline, Minervois-La Liviniere 2009
Deep, floral, fragrant black cherry perfume which is polished and classy. Fresh and easy with character, though it is quite tannic. Oak is blended in. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.13 points)
Domaine Ancely, Les Vignes Oubliees, Minervois-La Liviniere 2006
Smoky meat, cassis, mulberry and violet perfume. Lots of depth and robust fruit, it is still tannic and assertive. Very good, dense and complex wine. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-14. (15.13 points)
n/a UK Tel 0033 4 68 91 55 43
Terres Falmet, L'Ivresse des Cimes, Saint-Chinian 2007
Attractive bouquet of crushed fruit, smoke and a touch of oak. Firm oaky streak, soft, ripe and sweet cassis and cherry fruit. A classy wine. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.25 points)
Domaine de la Reynardiere, Faugeres 2005
Evolving earth, undergrowth, mushroom, meat and mature fruit on the nose. Interesting mid-weight palate but still with some fruit left. A little dry on the finish. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (15.25 points)
n/a UK Tel 0033 4 67 36 25 75
Les Vignobles Foncalieu, Apogee, Saint-Chinian 2008
Complex, herb, spice, savoury oak, chocolate, cassis and leather nose. Impressive extraction, supple and concentrated spicy Syrah fruit and excellent persistence. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2012-16. (15.88 points)
Domaine du Tabatau, Lo Tabataire, Saint-Chinian 2010
Hedgerow, spicy fruit, chocolate, berry, mint and violet aroma. Soft palate with good acidity, silky texture and chalky tannins. Promised and understated wine. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.88 points)
£9 Joseph Barnes, Essex (01799 528 019 / www.josephbarneswines.com)
Domaine Les Fusionels, Re-Naissance, Faugeres 2009
Raspberry, redcurrant, chocolate, earth, mint, liquorice and cream bouquet. Surprisingly full-flavoured and soft with red and black fruit. Engaging. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.63 points)
Jean-Michel Alquier, Maison Jaune, Faugeres 2007
Intense, meaty, evolved nose with a good smoky depth and animal notes. Complex, earthy, rich, sweet evolving fruit and soft tannins. Attractive. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.63 points)
Vignoble du Loup Blanc, Le Regal du Loup, Minervois 2009
Lively nose of oak, red fruit, tobacco, spice and garrigue. Fresh and bright palate with firm, ripe tannins. Good ripeness of flavour and easy to drink. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.63 points)
n/a UK www.vignobleduloupblanc.com
Chateau de Serame, Reserve du Chateau, Minervois 2008
Herbaceous, meaty, animal and blackberry aromas. A fresh palate with rich and ripe fruit, peppery spice and good acidity. Lots of structure to keep it going. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-14. (15.5 points)
Chateau la Dournie, Saint-Chinian 2008
Sweet, juicy black cherry, strawberry, plum, cream and tobacco bouquet. Soft and fleshy with a nice mix of ripe berry fruit, garrigue and forest-floor notes. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (15.5 points)
£14.50 (2007) Leon Stolarski Fine Wines limited, Notts (0115 953 8817)
Domaine la Croix Ste-Eulalie, Armandelis, Saint-Chinian 2010
Spicy, stewed fruit and firm, structured aroma. Has weight, depth and structure. It is savoury in style but fruit sweetness comes through on the finish. Stylish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-15. (15.63 points)
Borie la Vitarele, Midi Rouge, Saint-Chinian 2008
Spicy, redcurrant, soft berry, vibrant plum and smoky bouquet. Fresh acidity and supple tannins surround super-ripe fruit. Syrah in abundance. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.75 points)
Chateau Cazal Viel, Vieilles Vignes, Saint-Chinian 2008
Light perfume of talcum powder, flowers, mint and crushed berry fruit. Good depth and length with firm, youthful fruit. Complex and well made wine. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-14. (15.75 points)
Chateau de Ciffre, Grand Vin, Faugeres 2008
Exotic and lush blackberry, cherry, sweet spice and vanilla nose. Rich, juicy attractive fruit, well-managed oak and good balance. Ready to go! Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.75 points)
£12.90 www.slurp.co.uk
Chateau de la Liquiere, Vieilles Vignes, Faugeres 2009
Nose of sweet and sour wild berries. Palate has fresh, mid-weight, spicy, berry fruit and crisp tannins. Stylish and original with good fleshiness. Of its place. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.75 points)
n/a UK www.chateaulaliquiere.com
Benjamin Darnault, Minervois 2010
Jammy nose with a hint of rubber, dark fruit, violet, peach and smoke. Florality persists on the palate as does the freshness. Lovely lift on the finsh. Attractive. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (16.25 points)
Mas d'Alezon, Montfalette, Faugeres 2009
Animal aromas and concentrated cassis fruit. Pleasant, sweetly fruity, easy and simple palate. Good extraction of fruit and oak blended in. Natural richness. Alc: 12.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.5 points)
n/a UK www.masdealezon.com
Chateau Castigno, Saint-Chinian 2008
Aroma of raspberry compote, a lick of oak and spice. Supple, fleshy, flashy and powerful red with lots of vibrant cherry fruit. The finish has some finesse. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
n/a UK www.chateaucastigno.com
Chateau de Pennautier, Terroirs d'Altitude, Cabardes 2008
Smoky, vegatal nose. Appealing, with herbal hints and very nice grippy tannins. Everything comes across together in this elegant, minerally, terroir-driven wine. Alc: 13%. Drink 2012-15. (15.83 points)
Les Amants de la Vigneronne, Le Rouge aux Levres, Faugeres 2009
Candied cherry, herbs, clalk, choco-mint nose. Poised and persuasive with ripe black fruit, wood smoke and earth. Modest acidity, supple tannins. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.5 points)
£14 Ten Green Bottles (www.tengreenbottles.com / 07968 502 668)
Maison du Languedoc, Faugeres 2008
Meat, black fruit and vegetal aromas. Smooth, concentrated and fairly fresh palate with a meaty note. Vibrant, clean and easy drinking.
Clos Bagatelle, Saint-Chinian 2008
Lovely nose of dark cherry, vanilla, lush plum, mint and oak. Dense and oaky with good underlying acidity and a smooth palate. Lively if not that complex. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.25 points)
Domaine de Fenouillet, Mas Fenouillet, Faugeres 2009
Nose fruity, if a little baked, offering plummy-jammy notes and firm oak. Has a nice weight of fruit and softening tannins. Slightly confected fruit. Quite simple. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (15.25 points)
n/a UK www.domaine-fenouillet.fr
Domaine Ollier-Taillefer, Castel Fossibus, Faugeres 2008
Rich, dark plum, mint, spice and grilled meat nose. Attractive palate with plenty of upfront fruit. Robust and enjoyable with enough acidity to keep it fresh. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.9 points)
£16.99 Wines Unfurled, Bucks (01584 705 001 / www.winesunfurled.co.uk)
Benjamin Darnault, Organic Vines, Saint-Chinian 2009
Attractive berry fruit, liquorice, aniseed and ripe black cherry nose. Pleasing, grippy, compact wine with moderate acidity and light fruit. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.5 points)
Domaine de la Borie Blanche, Minervois 2010
Sweet, crunchy and smoky black fruit, and some animal hints. Lively with rich, ripe fruit, purity of flavour and has immediate appeal. Deep and elegant. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.88 points)
Chateau Millegrand, Futs du Chene, Minervois 2009
Spicy tapenade and simple crushed berry nose. Nice juiciness and pure fruited style with the opulence of Minervois. Has good ripeness and elegance too. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.83 points)
£9.15 (2008) Ellis of Richmond, Middx (020 8744 5550)
Laurent Miquel, Saga Pegot, Faugeres 2007
Lovely nose of spice, cherry, meat, cream, vanilla and oak. Good complexity and depth, offering spice, vanilla and fruit. Powerful, persuasive and quite long. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (16 points)
Chateau Castigno, Secret des Dieux, Saint-Chinian 2008
Leather, shoe polish, Syrah and earthy aromas. Showing evolution, this has a meaty palate with firm oak, good acidity and drying tannins. Polished wine. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-15. (15.88 points)
n/a UK www.chateaucastigno.com
Domaine La Combe Blanche, La Galine, Minervois-La Liviniere 2008
Firm spice and dry oak nose. Simple, juicy blackcurrant palate with grip. It has nice concentration and scents of garrigue hrbs. Has a promising finish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2013-15. (16 points)
£11.50 Leon Stolarski Fine Wines limited, Notts (0115 953 8817)
Domaine de Fenouillet, Combe Rouge, Faugeres 2009
Aromas of smoke, spice, mint, vanilla and dark fruit. Bright and attractive fruit, supple tannins and a stream of elegant ripeness. Pretty and well made. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (16 points)
n/a UK www.vignobles-jeanjean.fr
Chateau de Paraza, In Vino Veritas, Minervois 2010
Primary fruit and ripe spiciness on the nose. Spicy fruit palate with black cherry notes, a tannic streak and a ripe and deep finish. Sunshine in a glass! Alc: 15%. Drink 2011/2. (16.17 points)
n/a UK Tel 0033 6 17 87 51 46
Chateau Moureau, Minervois 2010
Polished, charming aromas of berry and plum. Ripe, pure fruit with savoury tannins adding interest. Elegant and long with depth and character. Well made. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-14. (16.25 points)
Chateau St-Jacques d'Albas, Minervois 2007
Simple nose of spice fruit. Light, fruity and mature with some noticeable tannin. Appetising and appealing - very moreish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (16.33 points)
Massamier la Mignarde, Domus Maximus, Minervois-La Liviniere 2007
Intense cassis, graphite minerality, plum, spice and chocolate nose. Solid, with depth and intense flavour. Extracted tannins so needs food. Bags of potential. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-13. (15.75 points)
Domaine Ann Gros & Jean-Paul Tollot, Les Fontanilles, Minervois 2009
Lifted red fruit, earth, meat, game and floral perfume. Supple, upfront and juicy with attractively smooth fruit. Early-drinking style with freshness and grip. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (15.75 points)
£16-20.95 Justerini & Brooks, London SW1 (020 7484 6400), Lea & Sandeman branches (020 7244 0522)
Domaine Binet Jacquet, Reserve, Faugeres 2008
Blackcurrant, spice, dark cherry, meat, bacon, liquorice and thyme bouquet. Broad palate of minty, black fruit, tight tannins and a firm finish. Breezy. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.75 points)
£16.20 The Sampler, Islington (020 7226 8500) & South Kensington (0207 225 5091)
Domaine Paul Mas, Mas de Mas, Saint-Chinian 2010
Ripe, spicy nose of pepper, raspberry and currant leaf. Light, graceful and charming palate which is easy drinking. Attractive peppery fruit. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (16.33 points)
Chateau d'Oupia, Nobilis, Minervois 2008
Fragrant nose, leather, sweat, grilled meat and bright berries. Super fruity with nice texture and freshness. Has a creamy finish, good acidity and some zest. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (16.13 points)
Chateau la Dournie, Elise, Saint-Chinian 2008
Pepper, herb, tapenade and concentrated red fruit aroma. Good depth of fruit, lively and fresh with a good savoury finish. Firm and quite elegant. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-14. (16.38 points)
Gerard Bertrand, Terroir, Saint-Chinian 2009
Firm nose of oak and meat. Firm, structured palate with some fruit underneath and a long finish. Tannins are harsh but it has character. Needs time. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 20131-17. (15.75 points)
Chateau de Gourgazaud, Tradition, Minervois 2009
Cooked plum, firm fruit and oak nose. Ready to be drunk now but should develop further. Supple and spicy with a touch of leather. Finish is pretty long. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011-16. (15.67 points)
n/a UK www.gourgazaud.com
Cave de Roquebrun, Roches Noires, Saint-Chinian-Roquebrun 2009
Pepper, spice, black cherry and fleshy fruit aromas. Good extraction, ripeness and concentration. Young and succulent with a firm streak of youthful tannin. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-15. (16 points)
Chateau de Pennautier, Cabardes 2010
Spice, herbal notes, mulberries and cassis on the nose. Has a firm, fresh streak of acidity with fresh cherry/berry fruit heart. Appealing in a Bordeaux style. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (16.33 points)
Chateau Millegrand Mourral, Les Hauts de Mourral, Minervois 2009
Berry nose overlaid with coconut, cherry and tapenade. Very ripe attack of black plum and dried fruit. A solid mouthful but nothing to dislike. Well judged. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-16. (16.33 points)
n/a UK www.bonfilswines.com
Domaine de Clarmon, Hommage, Minervois 2009
Rich black Syrah fruit and oak nose. Good broad fruit which is quite deep and leathery. Exotically spiced and very ambitious if a little too 'man-made'. Alc: 15%. Drink 2011-13. (15.63 points)
n/a UK www.clarmon.perso.sfr,fr
Mas de Cynanque, Plein Gres, Saint-Chinian 2008
Mint, cherry, oak, chocolate, green tea, incense, burnt rubber bouquet. Rich, svelte and concentrated with earth and garrigue flavours. Appealing finish. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.67 points)
n/a UK www.masdecynanque.com
Chateau de l'Herbe Sainte, Tradition, Minervois 2010
Pretty, lifted aroma of currant. Firm palate with dry, peppery fruit, spice and fine tannins. Has juiciness and balance. Lively, with plenty of local character. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-15. (15.33 points)
n/a UK www.herbe-sainte.fr
Chateau Maris, Syrah La Touge, Minervois-La Liviniere 2009
Lovely nose of blackberry, plum, liquorice, vanilla, smoke and violets. Weighty and dense but could do with more acidity to keep it fresher. A good effort. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-15. (15.75 points)
Domaine La Madura, Classic, Saint-Chinian 2007
Potpourri, dense cherry, raspberry, liquorice and cassis nose. Soft attack, balanced acidity, hints of forest floor and poised tannins. Straightforward. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.38 points)
£9.90 Terroir Languedoc Wines, Skipton (01756 700512 / www.terroirlanguedoc.co.uk)
Mas Champart, Clos de la Simonette, Saint-Chinian 2006
Lifted bouquet of earth, hay, berry and animal. Tough now but the fruit is there and there should be potential for more complexity. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-14. (15.38 points)
Chateau Portal, Cuvee Jerome, Minervois 2009
Cassis, vanilla oak and spice nose. Rounded ripe cherry fruit with some tannin - obviously a new-wave style, which is still pleasurable. Alc: 14%. Drink 2013-15. (15.33 points)
n/a UK Tel 0033 4 68 91 28 28
Hegarty Chamans, Minervois 2006
Strawberry jam and cedar bouquet. Supple, mature wine with a mineral and spicy character. Pretty and consistent. Good length. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.67 points)
Domaine Borie de Maurel, Cuvee Maxime, Minervois 2008
Vibrant berry nose, cassis, herb, spice and plum nose. Concentrated, smooth and richly fruity. Nice density with sufficient grainy tannins. Very nice. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011-13. (15.75 points)
Chateau d'Oupia, Minervois 2009
Ripe, crushed blackberry and smoky nose. Good depth of naturally sweet fruit, oak and acidity. Surprising opulence for a Carignan-dominated wine. Lovely. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011-13. (15.75 points)
Pech Menel, Chateau Vallouvieres, Saint-Chinian 2009
Thyme, ripe strawberry, plum and oak nose. Concentrated with chalky tannins and attractive fruit. Promising finish. Dense and ambitious - needs time. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2012. (15.5 points)
n/a UK www.pech-menel.com
Chateau du Prieure des Mourgues, Tradition, Saint-Chinian 2007
Lifted and stylish, lush, spicy cherry, berry, garrigue and tobacco aroma. Understated supple tannin, attractie fruit, mineral grip and a persuasive finish. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.38 points)
Domaine de Cebene, Felgaria, Faugeres 2009
Soft berry, meat, herbs, spice, currant, hedgerow and mint nose. Dense, rich and uncompromising. Supple with soft tannins and high acidity. Well made. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.63 points)
£27 Leon Stolarski Fine Wines limited, Notts (0115 953 8817)
Chateau Cazal Viel, Clos du Vent, Saint-Chinian 2007
Big nose of berry, cherry, plum, sweet spice, meat, leather and smoky oak. Supple and opulent with good weight of fruit. Super-ripe and ambitious style. Alc: 14%. Drink 2011/2. (15.63 points)
Chateau Cabezac, Grande Cuvee Belveze, Minervois 2007
Good solid, slightly leathery, berry fruit, tar and oak aroma. Supple and smooth palate with excellent structure supporting. Has lavish oak, presence and vigour. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2011-13. (16.13 points)
£34 Just Great Wine (0845 230 8070 / www.justgreatwine.co.uk)
Chateau Ste-Eulalie, Plaisir d'Eulalie, Minervois 2009
A wild scent of Carignan: crushed raspberries, earth and hay. Light, aromatic wine with fresh strawberries, herbs and redcurrant flavours. Excitingly different. Alc: 14%. Drink 2013-16. (16.17 points)
£6.75 Tanners Wines (01743 234 500), The Wine Society, Herts (01438 741 177)
Chateau de Gourgazaud, Reserve, Minervois-La Liviniere 2006
Mature nose. Big expansive mouthful of cooked red fruit, herbs and spice. It is soft, loose knit and supple, with nice concentration. Alc: 13.5%. Drink 2011/2. (15.5 points)
n/a UK www.gourgazaud.com
Domaine L'Ostal Cazes, Grand Vin, Minervois-La Liviniere 2008
Solid, dense oak on the nose. A solid, pedestrian style which is supple, bright, pure and minerally, with a good length. Finish is hot. Alc: 14.5%. Drink 2015-18. (15 points)
Les Crus Faugeres, Parfum de Schistes, Faugeres 2009
Serious nose of herbs, charcuterie, forest floor and black fruit. Layered palate with good concentration, plush ripe fruit, some freshness and a short finish. Alc: 13%. Drink 2011/2. (15 points)
n/a UK www.les-crus-faugeres.fr
