Domaine Saint Sylvestre Rouge 2015 Terrasses du Larzac

A delightful clear, bright, medium blood red colour, fading to a pale rim. Super-complex on the nose, with masses of herb-tinged raspberry, redcurrant and soused cherry aromas, mingled with notes of damp earth, leather and burning incense. The palate is fresh, vibrant and full of lively, sweet-sour red and black fruit flavours. And even at the advertised 14.5% abv, it is so supremely balanced and elegant, with a backbone of very fine tannins and mouth-watering acidity. There's a gentle earthiness and just a touch of herby/spicy savouriness, with a long, cool, minty, sour cherry finish that lasts for an age. This really is a wonderful example of cool-climate Languedoc red wine - think "Burgundian" in style and texture, but with a touch of southern warmth for good measure. We have been importing from Domaine Saint Sylvestre from their first vintage (2011) and this, in our opinion, is the best vintage so far. A very fine wine indeed.