On opening this Coteaux Du Languedoc–made of 80% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre is a pretty garnet with a faint but gorgeous cherry Life-savers bouquet. On the swirl, the nose is stingy with a steely aroma and much else.
Right after opening, this wine is a tad bitter, a tad hot and dry as dust. All elements of this wine are muted–it needs to be decanted.
With considerable breathing the bouquet and nose both open up some with nuanced aromas of chocolate, cherries, black cherry fruit. In the mouth everything is much nicer in general with a subtle layer of vanilla, though it is still a bit harsh. This is a classic “old world” creation. As it breathes, the chocolate layer just keeps growing and the harsh presentation tones down considerably.
The key to this wine is to decant it a good two hours a head of serving.
Don’t confuse this wine with the other Montpezat I reviewed on October 5th. I actually liked tho other one–not the “Palombieres” designation–better and it was a couple dollars cheaper than the $15 I paid for this one. But the Palombieres is interesting and fine example of Old World craftsmenship. Raise a glass!
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