89 pts. 90 pts. Roussillon. Featured HPS Wines March Languedoc-Roussillon Caspen Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes

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1 Featured HPS Wines March 2013 Languedoc-Roussillon The Languedoc and Roussillon continue to be a treasure trove for the well informed buyer. Not only do these regions possess a wealth of quality value-priced and upper-tier efforts (albeit a dramatically smaller subset at the top of the heap), there is incredible diversity in wine style at all price points. This is due to a number of factors; primarily the overall size of the region, yet also the wide divergence in grape varieties selected (and unfortunately, required in a number of cases), aging regimes, and multitude of micro-climates generated by both the Mediterranean Sea and bordering mountain ranges. Roussillon 2011 Caspen Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes An unoaked blend of 50% Syrah, 25% Marselan, and 25% Mourvèdre, the 2011 Caspen Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes is a lively, fresh effort that has copious black raspberry, resinous wild herbs, flowers, and licorice qualities as well as a medium to full-bodied, soft and supple palate. Firming up nicely on the finish and possessing a level of purity and complexity well beyond its humble price point, it is a superb value that will impress for 3-4 years Syrousse Côtes du Roussillon Villages (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages) A blend of 70% Syrah, 20% Grenache, and 10% Carignan that sees no oak whatsoever, the 2011 is a superb value that drinks well above its humble price point. Showing beautiful mineral-drenched blackberry styled fruit, wild herbs, licorice, and hints of pepper, it stays classy and focused on the palate. Medium-bodied, elegant, and fresh, with both juicy acidity and firm, yet ripe tannin lending focus and length on the finish, it should be purchased by the case, and consumed over the coming handful of years.

2 Domaine Cabirau This is personal estate of the Hand Picked Selections owner, Dan Kravitz, and the wines, bottled under screw cap, offer beautifully made profiles and plenty of southern France character. They sell for a song and over deliver Domaine Cabirau Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Serge & Nicolas A blend of all Grenache, the 2010 Serge & Nicolas is a gorgeous effort that exudes Grenache character with its perfumed aromatics and pure, supple profile on the palate. Possessing first-rate aromas and flavors of spicedraspberries, kirsch, garrigue, dusty minerality, and hints of orange rind, it glides onto the palate with a light, elegant feel, juicy acidity, and solid length through the finish. Buy this beauty by the case, and enjoy them over the coming 4-6 years Domaine Cabirau Côtes du Roussillon Malgré Les Fonctionnaires (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon) 91 pts. Also superb and much more deep and concentrated, the 2010 Domaine Cabirau Côtes du Roussillon Malgré Les Fonctionnaires is an off the hook value that drinks well above its price point. A blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Syrah, and 10% Carignan, it is locked and loaded with notions of black currants, smoked duck, lavender, and graphite on the nose. The palate doesn t lose a beat either and is medium to full-bodied, beautifully fruited, and has a clean, deft texture that keeps you coming back to the glass. As with the 10 Serge & Nicolas, buy this by the case, and consume it over the coming 5-6 years Domaine de l Edre Côtes du Roussillon Villages Carrement Rouge (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages) Decidedly rocky and earthy, with crisp red and black fruits, pungent herbs, pepper, and smoky qualities all supporting a liquid-mineral resembling core, the 2010 Domaine de l Edre Côtes du Roussillon Villages Carrement Rouge is a beautifully constructed, elegant Roussillon that has a seamless, silky texture, clean, integrated acidity, and ripe tannin that lends length and focus on the finish. Very lively and energetic, it can be consumed now and over the coming 5-8 years Domaine de l Edre Côtes du Roussillon Villages l Edre (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Roussillon, Côtes du Roussillon Villages) 93 pts. More rich, layered, and concentrated, the 2010 l Edre is a serious blend of 55% Syrah, 30% Grenache, 15% Carignan that was aged in 1-2 year old French oak barrels prior to being bottled unfined and unfiltered. Beautiful on both the nose and palate, it offers up spectacular aromas of spiced black cherries, black raspberry, licorice, chocolate, and hints of lead pencil to go with a full-bodied, seamless, and gorgeously rich texture. While ripe and upfront, it is decidedly classy and fresh, with clean, integrated acidity, ripe tannin, and a great finish. Count me a fan and this rock star Roussillon can be consumed now, or cellared for 5-8 years Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Le Cirque Blanc I reviewed the 2010 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Le Cirque last year in Issue #11 and that review still seems solid. Showing a touch more honey, charcoal, and minerality with its pear, herbal, and whiff of petrol core, it still shows plenty of fresh, clean acidity on the palate and is drinking well. I liked it a tad more a year ago and would drink bottles over the coming year (or have a science experiment and hold for another handful of years). Nevertheless, it s a great white that sells for a song.

3 2011 Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Le Cirque 91 pts. Also brilliantly done and a superb value, the 2011 Le Cirque red is comprised of 40% Grenache, 25% Carignan, 20% Syrah, and 15% Mourvèdre that sees no oak. Loaded with deep black cherry, smoked garrigue, leather, and minerality, it flows onto the palate with a medium to full-bodied texture, great acidity, brilliant purity of fruit, and an focused, clean finish that possess plenty of ripe tannin. Opening up over the evening and showing real character and depth, this knockout Côtes Catalanes will thrill for 4-5 years Le Cirque Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Rosé A classic dry rose that s made from a blend of 50% Grenache, 40% Mourvèdre, and 10% Grenache Gris, the 2012 Le Cirque Rosé has mouthwatering aromas and flavors of watermelon, strawberry, mineral, and Provencal herbs. Medium-bodied, lively and fresh, with a downright delicious, quaffable feel, it s a knockout value that can be consumed on its own on a hot day, or would be a perfect starter to a meal Penya Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Viognier Medium gold in color, the 2011 Penya Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Viognier is a fresh, lively expression of the variety and shows plenty of melon, fresh apricot, and mineral qualities to go with a medium-bodied, clean, and fresh palate that has plenty of fruit and juicy acidity. Enjoy bottles over the coming year Penya Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes A blend of 48% Grenache, 44% Carignan, 5% Mourvèdre, and 3% Syrah that sees no oak, the 2011 Penya Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes is a soft, supple effort that has solid character. Exhibiting complex, earthy aromas of spiced cherries, tobacco leaf, pepper, and leather, it glides onto the palate with a light, medium-bodied feel that carries sweet fruit, juicy acidity, and solid grip on the finish. Crowd pleasing for sure, it sells for a song and is well worth checking out Penya Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Rosé Light pink in color and made from a blend of 82% Grenache, 14% Grenache Gris, and 4% Syrah, the 2012 Penya Vin de Pays des Côtes Catalanes Rosé is also rock solid. Lively, upfront, and loaded with sweet cherry, mineral, wild herbs, and a hint of peach-pit, it carries its self beautifully on the palate with a medium-bodied, balanced, and pure feel. Provencal in style, with both crisp acidity and good richness, it s a no brainer purchase and will impress for upwards of a year.

4 Languedoc 2011 Domaine de Lancyre Vin de Pays du Val Montferrand Roussanne (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Vin de Pays du Val Montferrand) An unoaked blend of 100% Roussanne, the 2011 Domaine de Lancyre Roussanne is vibrant, pale yellow in color and offers up an outstanding bouquet of pineapple, Asian pear, lychee nut, subtle honey, and plenty of floral-like qualities. Beautifully pure and seamless on the palate, with perfectly integrated acidity and notable length, it is an all-around classy Roussanne that leans more towards the lively, fresh spectrum than the rich, powerful blends coming out of Châteauneuf-du-Pape. Well worth checking out Château de Lancyre Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St. Loup Vieilles Vignes (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St. Loup) The 2010 Château de Lancyre Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St. Loup Vieilles Vignes is comprised of 65% Syrah and 89+ pts. 35% Grenache that comes from vines averaging over 30-years in age, as well as some of the oldest plots of Syrah in the Coteaux du Languedoc. Deep, and dense, with an almost St. Joseph like meatiness in its black currant, wild herbs, pepper, and loamy earth driven aromatics, it is medium to full-bodied, smooth, and polished on the palate, with beautiful freshness and notable purity of fruit. Reserved and closed currently, it should benefit from another year or two of bottle age, and have a solid 5-8 year drink window Château de Lancyre Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St. Loup Rosé (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St. Loup) Made from a blend of 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, and 10% Cinsault, the 2012 Château de Lancyre Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St. Loup Rosé has a light pink/salmon color to go with mineral-laced cherry, melon, citrus rind, and rose petal aromas on the nose. Provencal in style, with a medium-bodied, juicy feel on the palate, it has plenty of flavor and richness and should be enjoyed over the coming year. NV Domaine de Malavieille Vin de France Les Petits Dragons (France, Vin de France) 91 pts. A non-vintage blend of equal parts Petit Manseng and Chenin Blanc, the Malavieille Les Petits Dragons has a vibrantly clear, yet slightly deeper gold color to go with rich, full-flavored aromas of brioche, grilled peaches, honeycomb, and a touch of crème on the nose. Rich, medium to full-bodied, and gorgeously textured, it is no light-weight quaffer and offers layers of sweet fruit (there s 8-10 grams of residual sugar present), knockout purity, juicy acidity, and excellent length. Delicious all around, it deserves a classy meal and should be enjoyed over the coming year or two Domaine de Malavieille Rouge Permien (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac) Coming from one of the hot regions of the Languedoc, the Les Terrasses du Larzac, the 2010 Rouge Permien is made from a blend of 60% Carignan, 20% Grenache, and 20% Syrah. Showing deep plum, smoke, violets, and licorice driven aromatics, it is a ripe, fleshy effort that has loads of texture, no hard edges, and a light, almost elegant feel that emerges with additional time in the glass. Almost pretty (which is saying something when talking about Carignan), this lively, solid 2010 should drink nicely for 4-6 years Jeff Carrel Coteaux du Languedoc Les Darons (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc) An unoaked blend of 60% Grenache, 25% Carignan, and 15% Syrah, the 2011 Les Darons (translates to The Parents ) is a fruit forward, delicious effort that has loads of black fruits, spice-box, loamy earth, and licorice to go with a full-bodied, supple, and delicious mouth feel. Upfront, fruit loaded, and delicious, this crowd pleaser will deliver the goods for 3-5 years.

5 2011 Château du Donjon Minervois Grande Tradition (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Minervois) The top wine of the estate and an unoaked blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 20% Carignan, the 2011 Grande Tradition has a decidedly pretty, perfumed bouquet of wild strawberry, black raspberry, cedar, resinous garrigue, earth, and ground pepper to go with a medium-bodied, pure, and lightly textured palate. Elegant and finesse driven, with moderate concentration, it has lovely balance and purity, as well good length. Drink it over the coming 5-7 years Château du Donjon Minervois Rosé (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Minervois) Well-made, crisp, and fresh, with a solid core of minerality, cherry, strawberry, and underbrush, the 2012 Château du Donjon Minervois Rosé has a medium-bodied, juicy palate feel, as well as good mid-palate fruit. It will be versatile on the table or could stand on its own. Enjoy it over the coming year or so Val Auclair Vin de Pays de la Vallée du Paradis Les Barras (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Vin de Pays de la Vallée du Paradis) A blend of 75% Carignan and 25% Syrah, the 2011 Les Barras high altitude vineyards located southwest of the town of Carcassonne. Deeply colored, it possesses classic Carignan aromas and flavors of deep black fruits, pine resin, new leather, and hints of flower to go with a medium to full-bodied, balanced, and beautifully proportioned mouth feel that stays light and elegant. Very supple, with uncommon polish to its tannin, this outstanding blend benefits from a decant, and will drink nicely for 5-7 years Villa des Anges Vin de Pays d Oc Old Vines Rosé (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Vin de Pays d Oc) Sporting a light salmon/pink color, the 2012 Villa des Anges Vin de Pays d Oc Old Vines Rosé is a classic Provencal rose that has fresh, crisp aromas of orange peel, wild strawberry, and mineral water to go with juicy, lively palate. Perfect for a hot summer day and leaning heavily towards the lighter weight style, it is a rock solid bottle of wine meant for enjoying over the coming 6-12 months. Southern Rhone & Provence 2010 SLF Châteauneuf-du-Pape (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape) 92 pts. A classic, textbook effort that s reminiscent of walking through one of the many street markets in Provence, the 2010 Sélectionné par Laurence Féraud Châteauneuf-du-Pape is locked and loaded with garrigue, saddle leather, cured meats, pepper, licorice, and sweet black currant style fruit aromas all soaring from the glass. Medium-bodied, supple, and already accessible, especially for a 2010, it will be hard to resist in its youth, and I see no need too either. Enjoy bottles over the coming decade Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d Aix-en-Provence Rosé (France, Provence, Coteaux d Aix-en-Provence) One of my goto Provencal rosés, the 2012 Commanderie de la Bargemone Coteaux d Aix-en-Provence Rosé is another beauty. Very pale in color, it nevertheless has loads of flavor, with plenty of melon, orange peel, and floral aromas to go with a medium-bodied, racy palate that has both richness and freshness. Buy this beauty by the case and enjoy bottles over the coming year or so.

6 New Releases from Spain Spain, particularly the eastern region and Catalu 馻, continues to produce a wealth of releases that are underpriced vis-?vis their quality. While it s easy to classify the less expensive releases as party wines due to the price, the reality is that they re beautifully made wines that if put in blind tastings, consistently perform well above their humble price points. The current vintages hitting the shelves are the 2009s and 2010s, with some early release 2011s as well. Spain 2011 Bodegas Virgen del Águila Cariñena Las Valles (Spain, Aragón, Cariñena) The 2011 Las Valles is a blend of 40% Tempranillo, 40% Garnacha, and 20% Syrah that comes from high altitude vineyards (upwards of feet in elevation) located up against the Iberico mountain range. Perfumed and aromatic, with loads of sweet black and blue fruits, pepper, cedar, herbs, and spice-box-like qualities showing on the nose, it fills the mouth with sweet fruit, has a fleshy, full texture, and solid purity of fruit. Decidedly delicious, this beauty sells for a song and will delight for 3-4 years Panarroz Jumilla (Spain, Murcia, Jumilla) A value priced, un-oaked blend of 80% Monastrell, 10% Syrah, and 10% Garnacha, the 2011 Panarroz has an inky purple color as well as earthy, mineral-driven aromas of blackberry fruit, loamy earth, wild herbs, and pepper on the nose. Impressive on the palate, with a medium-bodied, pure feel, juicy acidity, and a firm, focused finish, it opens up with air and is a rock solid bottle of wine. Picking up additional minerality and depth in the glass, this borderline outstanding effort is the real deal and there s nothing flabby or overripe about it; it is also downright fun to drink. Buy it by the case and enjoy it over the coming 3-5 years Veridien Alicante Tinto (Spain, Valencia, Alicante) 87 pts. An unoaked blend of 60% Syrah, 20% Monastrell, and 20% Garnacha Tintorera (also known as Alicante Bouschet), the 2010 Tinto is a perfumed, easy going effort that gives up spice-driven aromas and flavors of cedar, dried cherries, tobacco, and hints of ground pepper. Lively, fresh, and thoroughly enjoyable, with solid focus and grip through the finish, it s a perfect mid-week drinker and should last for 3-5 years.

WA #209, October 2013 Reviews by Jeb Dunnuck, except where noted.

WA #209, October 2013 Reviews by Jeb Dunnuck, except where noted. This classic, benchmark estate for traditionally made wines is run by the talented, no-nonsense Laurence Feraud and her father Paul. While