Roussillon

27 Muscat de Rivesaltes AC 2008
Domaine des Chênes

Grape:70% Muscat à Petits Grains, 30% Muscat d’Alexandrie (15.5% alc.)

Made by Alain Razungles, professor of oenology at Montpellier University, this is unquestionably one of France’s finest muscats. It comes from the village of Vingrau, a superb terroir, has a sumptuous concentration, a floral bouquet (jasmine) and a clean, controlled palate smacking of lexia raisins. Sweet.

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28 Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Blanc 2006
Clos du Rouge Gorge, Cyril Fhal

Grape:100% Macabéo (13% alc.)

70 year old macabéo planted on two parcels of gneiss and orthogneiss (north and eastfacing which helps to preserve freshness) and aged in two to three year old barriques (with no batonnage) gives a fresh and beautifully balanced wine with an intense fruit quality and a long terroir-driven finish. For drinking now to 2015.

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29 Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Rouge 2006
Clos du Rouge Gorge, Cyril Fhal

Grape:95% Carignan, 5% Grenache (14% alc.)

Very low yields from 70 to 100 year old vines, meticulous grape selection in the vineyard, gentle extraction (more like infusion), sensitive handling of oak (16 months new to one year old barriques), and minimal sulphur, combine to produce this extraordinary wine. Exuding spicy black fruits with liquorice and a notable mineral freshness, it has an exceptional texture and suppleness with great balance and length. For drinking now to 2015.

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30 Collioure AC 2004 Clos du Moulin
Domaine du Mas Blanc

Grape:80% Mourvèdre, 20% Counoise (13% alc.)

Mourvèdre seems to thrive under a maritime influence (like the Bandol appellation) giving a wine of structure but considerable finesse. It has a dark cherry colour, a slightly sauvage nose with elements of chocolate/prunes and leather on the palate, and a really exciting lift on the finish. For drinking now to 2012.

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31 Collioure AC 2001/2004 Les Junquets
Domaine du Mas Blanc

Grape:90% Syrah, 10% Roussanne/Marsanne (13% alc.)

This wine has an elegance and depth of fruit that you rarely find away from the Northern Rhone appellations of Côtie Rôtie, Cornas and Hermitage. It comes from old vines on a steep, schist slope, has been aged in barrels previously used for Château Margaux, and has excellent pure flavours - black cherry with a hint of liquorice and silky tannins. For drinking now to 2011.

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