2010 Vin de Pays des Cotes Catalanes

The top wine of the estate, and a lively, complex effort, the 2010 Vin de Pays Cotes Catalanes is a blend of mostly Carignan (70%), with smaller components of Syrah and Grenache, that comes mostly from decomposed granite soils and spent 20 months in a combination of demi-muids (10% new) and tank. It offers a gamey, spice-laced bouquet of sweet black cherries, leather, rock salt and dried flowers that gives way to a medium-bodied, lightly textured, savory, yet decidedly juicy profile on the palate. Relatively open and already drinking nicely, enjoy bottles over the coming 3-5 years. An exciting new project involving Gerard Gauby (of Domaine Gauby), who is a part owner, Le Soula lies to the west of Perpignan, high up in the hills of the Fenouilledes region. The wines are made by Gerald Stanley (also a part owner) and are first-rate, with the whites being some of the best to come out of the region. If you get a chance, don’t miss these. www.le-soula.com Importer: Paul M. Young Fine Wines, Los Angeles, CA; tel. (213) 232-5199