Montcalmes Terasses du Larzac 2011

Robert Parker Wine Advocate "Deeper, richer and more concentrated, the 2011 Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac, which was tasted as a final blend, offers knockout aromas and flavors of ripe black fruits, dried pepper, exotic spices and cured meats. Medium to full-bodied, with a chewy, broad and textured mouthfeel, it will benefit from short-term cellaring and have over a decade of longevity.

Previously selling all of their grapes to the local coop, this brilliant estate has been managed by Frederic Pourtalie since 1999 when he took over from his family and bottled his first release. He now produces two reds, a Grenache-heavy Coteaux du Languedoc, and their top cuvee which gets the Terrasses du Larzac labeling and is 60% Syrah and equal parts Grenache and Mourvedre that all spends close to two years in used demi-muids. He also releases a white that's based off Chardonnay, but I wasn't able to taste it during this visit. Pourtalie makes beautifully fruit-driven wines that show the warmth of the region, yet stay impressively balanced and fresh."