1988 Mas de Daumas Gassac Rouge
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Tasting notes
The open-knit 1988 Rouge sports intense dried black currant, tobacco, mushrooms and forest floor alongside ferrous gradations. Medium to full-bodied and neatly structured, the classic 1988 is yet another long-lived red from the Guibert family. And despite all its concentration, the elegance is neatly captured. I can totally see this one holding up well for at least five more years.
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Silky, aromatic and gracious, the 1988 Rouge is in a beautiful place right now. I wouldn’t wait too long, as the 1988 is not going to improve from here. It is a lithe, gracious Gassac that is all understatement and class. Sweet pipe tobacco, cedar, mint, licorice and dried dark cherry all grace the soft, open-knit finish.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.4% Merlot, 4.3% Cabernet Franc, 1.6% Tannat, 5.6% Malbec, 1.5% Pinot Noir, 9.6% Syrah, 1% rare varieties. TA 3.50 g/l (sulphuric) , pH 3.63. Lovely pure fruit. So direct and juicy. Leather, allspice, black cherry and chocolate. Brimming with energy and youthfulness. Just enough chew to give structure, but lots of bright acid to cut through too. (RH)
60% Viognier, 20% Chardonnay, 15% Petit Manseng, 5% Muscat de Frontignan . Dark gold/copper colour. Green fruit. Old, simple white wine. Off dry. Still lively and definitely alcoholic but not fine. A bit like an old Aussie white. Slightly sherbety. Bravo to have survived at all. No malolactic helped? (JR)