2007 Coteaux du Languedoc La Peira

Dark purplish crimson. Particularly intense nose – so intense that it needs a great deal of coaxing out of the glass. Very intense, almost mentholated nose. Still introvert. Masses of tannin and fruit density but at the moment not much expression. Thick and embryonic with a bit of heat on the finish. (JR)

Utterly captivating and borderline perfection in a glass, the 2007 La Pèira Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac is the estate’s top cuvee and is a blend of 68% Syrah and 32% Grenache, from the Bois de Pauliau vineyard, that’s aged for 18 months in French oak. It displays a vivid purple color to go with intense, decadent aromas of sweet crème de cassis and blackberry styled fruits, smoked meats, exotic spice, violets, and perfectly integrated wood on the nose. While ripe and leaning towards the decadent end of the spectrum, the wine shows unbelievable purity, focus, and freshness as well as not a hint of heat, over-ripeness, or weight. Full bodied and lavishly textured on the palate, with the same lightness and elegance that’s promised by the nose, the wine shows perfect balance, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, perfectly ripe fruit, and a blockbuster finish that’s laced with loads of ultra-fine tannin. Few wines can pull off such a mix of ripeness, polish, and balance, and this one does it with style! I don’t doubt that this will age gracefully, but given the utter seamlessness and polish displayed, don’t be afraid to drink this young. Easily one of the top wines of the region (and I’ll gladly include all of the southern Rhône in that comparison) and this is not to be missed!

Syrah and Grenache. A compelling and intense nose of leather and spiced sun-baked berries. Very very dense, thick and opulently ripe. Black cherries and mulberries that explode in the mouth, leaving a tantalising long trail of soft sweet spice in their wake. Hard to spit. (TC)