2017
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| Minervois La Liviniere, north-east of Carcassonne |
| Dry red - full bodied, part aged in old(er) oak |
| 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 10% Carignan |
15.0%
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Duck, game, steak, lamb, wild mushroom risotto
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Still good
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Now, or to 2030 and beyond
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Deep purple core with a dark ruby rim. Highly aromatic, with multi-layered black cherry, bramble and raspberry aromas, accompanied by notes of damp earth, tobacco and freshly-baked sourdough bread, with subtle hints of flowers, older oak, savoury and spice - it really is a fabulously complex and alluring nose! The palate is relatively full-bodied and ripe and possessed of more than a little complexity and elegance, with a multitude of fresh red and black fruit flavours, infused with garrigue herbs, peppery spice and again a touch of earthiness, wrapped around a core of supple tannins and juicy, orange-tinged acidity, all of which makes for a delightful sweet and sour quality. The finish is long, spicy, warm and worthy of contemplation. The Syrah element is aged for 18 months in old(ish) oak barrels, whilst the other varieties are aged in vat. With such wonderful raw materials, it doesn't need to be dressed up in a cloak of new oak. And at this price, it really is a steal - the real "sweet spot" in the Combe Blanche range. You can drink it now, with pleasure, but it should also age nicely for another 5 to 10 years.
Coup de Coeur in the 2020 edition of the Guide Hachette. |
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