2021 Mas de Daumas Gassac, Rouge, St Guilhem-le-Désert Cité d'Aniane, Languedoc

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Pinot Noir, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Tannat, 2% Cabernet Franc, 3% rare varieties Abouriou, Nielluccio, Montepulciano, Saperavi, Carmenère, Tempranillo). 50% is aged in oak barrels, only one in seven new, and the balance is in stainless steel. Total barrel ageing between 8 and 13 months.

Fairly transparent garnet. Again, that leather element in an aroma that’s a bit more muted than the 2023. The tannins and acidity are more pronounced, too. Perhaps it’s just going through a dumb phase? I’d definitely wait before broaching this. Affected by a relatively cool growing season? 

Drink 2026 - 2036

The elegant 2021 Rouge offers discrete raspberry and violet alongside rustic and leafy undertones. Sporting less flavour concentration and overall intensity compared to the surrounding vintages, 2021 is a delicate and laid-back Mas de Daumas Gassac that shouldn’t take too long to come around.

Drink 2027 - 2038

84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Pinot Noir, 2% Merlot, 2% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc, 2% Tannat and 3% rare varieties.

Dark berries, leather, pencil lead, roasted meat, dried herbs, bell peppers, cumin, bay leaves and some stones. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and crisp acidity, yet it has more intensity to deliver on the mid-palate. It’s poised with a restrained power. Harmonious and agile with great balance and vitality. Long, crunchy and developing finish.

Try after 2026