2014 Maxime Magnon, Rozeta, Corbieres Rouge, Languedoc-Roussillon, France.
Magnon is an all natural producer is the wilds of the Languedoc in Vallee du Paradis and he crafts wines from field blend vineyards in Corbieres. These are beautiful, almost delicate wines, all organic and without the addition of sulfur, he learned his winemaking at the famed Morgon cellar of Jean Foillard and has been mentored also by Didier Barral in Faugeres. Maxime uses native yeasts and used Chassagne-Montrachet barrels to make his wines, the grapes are fermented whole cluster and all are co-fermented, the blend in this gorgeous Rozeta Corbieres is unique with varietals that include Carignan, Grenache and Syrah, but also has Grenache Gris, Macabou and Terret which are grayish and white grapes that add acidity, pigment and are in a way like Cote-Rotie is with the Syrah and Viognier. The soils part a part in the character in Magnon’s wines with limestone and schist adding complexity, mineral and spicy notes to these wonderfully textured and vibrant expressions of terroir. The 2014 Magnon Rozeta Cobieres starts with a spicy floral note, a flinty and rocky element, earth and herbs all coming through on the nose with wild strawberry and vine picked red berries which together also come through on the medium bodied palate as well, along with cracked pepper, cinnamon, raspberry, pomegranate, juicy tart currant and red peach flesh. Hints of sage, lavender, anise and sweet cherries add interest to this easy to love red, there is a nice burst of acidity, mild tannins that form the structure that holds the fruit together to the bright lingering finish. The impression of red plum and mixed flowers stays long after the last sip, this is really sexy unique wine, elegant and exotic, but with an authentic rawness that stays true to place and style, drink this over the next 2 or 3 years.
($35 Est.) 92 Points, grapelive
