2013 Chateau Pech-Latt, Corbieres, Selection Vieilles Vignes, France.
This is a terrific Syrah based old vine Corbieres that is all organic and made with natural winemaking techniques, it is full of flavor and has a true terroir character. Mosty Syrah with small amounts of Grenache and Carignan this Chateau Pech-Latt is a super example of luxurious and vigorous Corbieres with dark fruit charm, spicy pop and earthy soul, I was very impressed, it might be my favorite ever Corbieres! The nose starts with dried violets, warm clay tiles, blackberry and a hints of sticky lavender leading to a palate of blueberry, boysenberry and tart plum fruit with touches of wild mushroom, bacon, red and black pepper, gravel and salted licorice. This wine pleases from start to finish with a nice streak of zesty acidity and fine grain tannin holding it together, at 14% this is not a lightweight, but still feels vibrant and fresh, though it does fill the mouth and has length and legs, it will give a few Crozes and Cornas a run for the money. This was my first time tasting the Chateau Pech-Latt and it was a great first impression and experience, I highly recommend looking for this lovely Corbieres, it has all the right stuff with focused fruit and nice savory elements, this is very savvy, jazzy and entertaining wine, drink from 2015 to 2022.
($20 Est.) 93 Points, grapelive