| 2007-11-24 22:06 |
WA: The 2004 Coteaux du Languedoc Puech de Glen (the hybrid North English–Languedocien name designating the schistic heights of the domaine whose Syrah informs this cuvee, not segregated in 2002 or 2003) offers an impressive nose of black cherry, cassis and roasted meat. Palate-staining and with ample fine tannins, it nevertheless suggests a certain creaminess as well, and dark chocolate, black cherry liqueur and mint cross the palate in a long-marching finish, there is a certain lift and choreography to the flavors, showing that “big” and high-alcohol does not preclude “elegant.” The new team at La Sauvageonne was left to determine the fate of numerous Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot vines that the previous owner had salted here and there in the vineyards. Impressively perched on a schistic hill above St.-Jean-de-la-Blaquiere in the Terrasses de Larzac, Domaine La Sauvageonne often bottled distinctive wines under its former owners, but when young Englishman Gavin Crisfield “discovered” it in 2001 and persuaded an investor to purchase the property and install him as winemaking-director, quality took off. A Thomas Calder Selection (various importers), Paris; fax 011-33-1-46-45-15-29. |