2018 Domaine de Montcalmès, Terrasses du Larzac
Though it remains under the radar in comparison to neighbours and mentors, Grange de Pères, winemaker Frédéric Pourtalié has quietly established Montcalmès as one of the most nuanced and high quality producers of the Languedoc. Syrah and Grenache from limestone and Mourvèdre grown on galets roulés soils (pudding stones, like Châteauneuf) are seamlessly blended in this superbly balanced and delicious red. The 2018 is a sophisticated, densely structured iteration, with sweet cherry spice on the nose and savoury tannins on the palate culminating in a long, taut finish. It will only benefit from some time in the cellar.