Sunday, January 3, 2010

La Clape Domaine Karantes Coteaux du Languedoc Rouge, 2007

You might not take this wine seriously when you spot the large eye and lips on the label. Use your own eyes and lips, and you'll find the pleasures of a very good Coteaux du Languedoc wine. La Clape's wine is a blend of Grenache and Syrah plus 10 percent Mourvedre, and, at this young age, the Mourvedre makes its presence strongly felt through its deep purple color and tight, rather tannic aromas and flavors. It reminds me of a young Gigondas. It's a bit reticent at first but, with aeration, deep scents of purple flowers and black and red fruits start to emerge. It's better the second night than the first and what's left on the third night is beautiful. This too is a wine to keep and follow for a few years even though it will set you back only $9.99 at D&W Markets. Another excellent value.

2 comments:

  1. I agree that aerators are handly, particularly for young Cabernets. The Grenache-oriented wines I favor usually do not need aeration (or very little, in the case of this wine). With Mourvedre wines (and with Pinot Noirs), aging over 10 years or more brings lovely qualities that can never be matched through aeration.

    ReplyDelete