Mas Foulaquier Les Tonillières 2015 IGP Saint Guilhem-le-Désert

Semi-transluscent carmine red, fading to a narrow rim. The grapes are given a full 3 month maceration at a cool temperature, which ensures good extract whilst retaining a good deal of elegance. This is followed by another 15 months or so ageing in large wooden vats before bottling, with only a minimal dose of SO2. At the time of tasting (August 2017) it ideally needs a few months to settle and fully integrate, but it is already showing wonderful aromas of pickled brambles and raspberries, with an amazing array of secondary nuances - notably, leather, cigar box, beetroot, damp earth and fine eau de vie. The palate is delightfully fresh and full of vitality, chock full of sweet and sour raspberry and black fruit flavours, with subtle spicy and meaty notes and a long, minty, sweet-sour finish. With air, it becomes even deeper, more expressive, more elegant, whilst retaining all of its freshness and complexity. This really is a lovely wine, which any lover of fine Languedoc wine should try. It will age nicely, but why wait, when it is so wonderful now? Certified organic and biodynamic.