2000 Domaine de la Grange des Peres

1 July 2013: To go with Richard's 'poulet à la basquaise', we opened a bottle of 2000 Domaine de la Grange des Pères to try......An 11-hectare estate that started in 1992, that focuses on high quality, very low yields (approx.  20 - 25 hl/ha) and a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon, all separately vinified and aged for 24 months in barriques.  The reputation of the estate now justifies the direct allocation of its wines in strict rations.   So we were very lucky to be able to try a bottle of this!  Deep garnet hue.  An intensely aromatic bouquet with layers and layers of aromas, counting black cherry, cassis, lavender, garrigue herb, balsamic, cracked pepper and liquorice spice, with nuances of vanilla, tobacco and toast.  A medium weight body, with a velvety lush texture, seamless lifted by lively acidity.  This is an elegant expression from the Languedoc.  Finishes long.  Drinking at peak now, and over the next 4 - 6+ years.  So moreish.  18/20