2013 Mas de Daumas Gassac, Rouge, St Guilhem-le-Désert Cité d'Aniane, Languedoc

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Merlot, 5% Tannat, 5% Petit Verdot, 4% Cabernet Franc, 2% Pinot Noir, 2% Malbec, 5% rare varieties Abouriou, Nielluccio, Montepulciano, Saperavi, Carmenère, Tempranillo). 50% is aged in oak barrels, only one in seven new, and the balance in stainless steel. Total barrel ageing between 8 and 13 months.

Bright ruby. Spice and leather on the nose. Very sweet palate entry and quite charming. Even quite delicate! Garrigue influence? Really needs food to fend off those slightly dry tannins.

Drink 2018 - 2030

This was a relatively cool year for the Languedoc, though it was unmarred by the copious rain that fell in Bordeaux and other French vineyard regions. That suited many of the warmest Languedoc sites—but not necessarily the cooler, slightly higher-altitude Gassac Valley. The wine has satisfactory alcohol levels but has emerged in a lighter style than usual, with super-gentle tannins and a shaded cast to the fruit, making it suitable for early drinking. Its dappled freshness endows it with fine drinking qualities just now. 

Drink 2018 - 2025

The 2013 IGP Saint Guilhem le Desert features leafy, cassis and black cherry notes. Predominantly 70% to 80%) Cabernet Sauvignon, it's medium to full-bodied and silky in texture, with lingering hints of vanilla and tobacco on the finish. Potent and concentrated, it should drink well through at least 2025.

Drink 2019 - 2025