The fastest and most economical way to get to the south of France may well be this luxurious cuvée that could also be called "the velvet underground". Open the bottle and you are there; this is the genuine article, bold and sophisticated.
Sylvain Fadat, proprietor of Domaine D'Aupilhac is the fifth generation to farm the Languedoc, near the village of Montpeyroux. Previously he grew white asparagus and melons before turning to wine grapes. Considered outspoken and wildly progressive, Sylvain champions the cause of delivering the best of the Languedoc to new world wine consumers.
With the help of his wife Desirée and the staff, Sylvain farms about 50 acres of grapes and is also the chief winemaker, marketer and "bottle washer". The 2004 vintage of Montpeyroux is a blend of 30% Mourvedre (a.k.a. Monastrell en España), 28% Carignan, 25% Syrah, 12% Grenache and 5% Cinsault. Aging was 20 months, underground, in large "old foudres" and oak barrels.
Outstanding value ($15). Closure: Real cork. Alcohol content: 14%.
Style: Fruit forward, lush, complex, unfiltered, some oak spice.
Tasting Notes: Appearance: Deep purple cranberry with a nice unfiltered haze, nearly opaque. Aromas: Framboise, blackberry, dried blueberry, rose petals and hints of sweet spice. Medium to full-bodied with a firm structure, the generous fruit flavors take center stage joined by a bit of savory pepper, leading to a dry gravelly finish that evolves a bit of sophisticated oak spice.
Comment: A lot of people talk about terroir, but Sylvain Fadat delivers.
Winewaves reviewed the 2004 vintage of D'Aupilhac Lou Maset, a less aged cuvee.
Kermit Lynch is the importer.
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Good scoop here. Only $15 too.
I hope to see more of these soon for WBW #33 which I'm announcing tomorrow. Hope you'll participate.
Posted by: Marcus | April 17, 2007 at 11:10 AM
Great reading. To help your subscribers find wine producers in the Minervois.Corbieres,Fitou,La Liviniere, take a look at this directory
http://www.aude-vie.com
Happy Hunting
Miki x
Posted by: michael Bowditch | April 28, 2008 at 12:34 AM