Today I am tasting the 2007 Chateau de Landure Minervois from France. In case you are not familiar with Minervois, it is an AOC in the Languedoc-Roussillon wine region. This bottle was purchased for under $8 and is a blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre. Great labeling by the importer, Clock Tower Imports. There is a lot of value coming out of the south of France (e.g. 2008 Ropiteau Vin de Pays d’Oc Pinot Noir), so I am intrigued by this wine.
Color
In the glass this is a dark ruby color which I expect with so much Syrah and Mourvedre in the blend.
Aroma
When first poured there is quite a bit of wet dog, sulfur aroma. It quickly blows off and there is a great mix of dark and red fruit components. I get strawberries, blueberries and red cherries mixed with a cedar component.
Flavor
On the attack there is a combination of strawberries and cherries. It is quite fruity at first, then in the mid-palate the cherry remains but is subtle. The wine disappears a bit in the middle. It finishes with sour cherries and mild tannins. I also get a really nice black pepper note on the finish. If you exhale at the end you almost feel like you just put pepper on a dish while cooking. This wine is medium bodied and will pair well with food higher in fat. I think the fruit will complement it well.
Rating
I like this wine. I think it strikes a nice balance of fruit and structure. Think food friendly wine at a good price. I rate it 88 points.
Have you had this wine?
