2012Marcillac2012 Domaine des Costes Rouges, Marcillac Red, France.
This country wine from France’s southwest is slightly rustic and earthy, but it has plenty of bright fruit to show and almost feels like a robust Gamay, though it is made with the native grape Mansois, along with tiny amounts of Cabernet. I’ve tried the last two or so vintages and have found myself drawn to this interesting and uniquely flavored wine, it shows raspberry, blueberry and plum fruits upfront along with cranberry and dust cherry notes, plus there is pepper spice, candied red citrus, loamy earth, game and pipe tobacco. While simple and fresh now, there is some tannins and meatiness underlying here, it should drink well and change over the next 2 to 3 years in bottle, I maybe like it best now with it’s vibrancy of youth, it is medium weight and should be great with hearty cuisine and or lamb, sausage or sheep cheeses. Another off the beaten path find from Charles Neal Imports, San Francisco, I am grateful to taste the latest release as always, and this 2012 is consistent with the last three vintages.
($17 Est.) 90 Points, grapelive

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