Synopsis, Our Opinion: A unique and interesting Carignan blend.
Producer/Winery: Domaine Maxime Magnon; Villeneuve des Corbieres, France.
Grape Variety: Carignan blend – mostly Carignan, with Grenache, Syrah, Grenache Gris, Macabou and Terret.
Geographic Appellation, Region, Country: Corbières; Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
Vintage: 2013
Price: $27.00 (with a 10% mixed case discount)
Purchased From: The Caviste Wine Shop; Winston-Salem, North Carolina.
Paired With: Venison pizza with onions, peppers and blue cheese.
Tasting:
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Opened 90-minutes before drinking. Opaque, inky dark purple/garnet color with a lighter purple rim. Damp earth, cherry and raspberry aromas. Spicy, juicy, medium-full body and an 80-grit texture. Explosive tart cherry, ripe raspberry, strawberry, hints of orange rind and GOBS of peppery spice flavors. A huge amount of bright acidity, grippy tannins and a long rustic finish that leaves the mouth filled with a tart (almost sour) fruit taste. This was a wine that was like a genie captured in a bottle…once out it was formidable and a bit uncontrollable…powerful yet enticing, strong yet succulent and all the time being a bit cocky and brash…no sleeping violet in this bottle. It paired VERY WELL with the strong tastes of the venison, but we were a little put off by it’s boldness when drinking without food. A unique and interesting Carignan blend.
Photo from Kermit Lynch.
Alcohol Content: 13.5%
Closure: Reconstructed cork.
UPC Code: 7 61503 47112 3
Imported by: Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant; Berkeley, California.