It's a good day today, once again Thomas Raynaud has received high praise for his Côte du Roussillon Villages, this time from Rosemary George MW and expert in the wines of Laugedoc and Roussillon.
"I have to
admit that I was a bit nervous. It
looked like the sort of bottle that could easily blow your head with an assault
of new oak and over extracted tannins, but
appearances can be highly deceptive. This
wine has style, he blend is 50% Syrah,
40% Grenache and 10% Mourvèdre. A deep
young colour and a discreet structured nose the palate was beautifully balanced" What well deserved praise for Thomas who has now become the winemaker at Domaine La Grange range in Gabian, north of Beziers.
Perhaps its the slight twist on the blend Thomas preferred that made the difference; the "GSM" blend is more usual - i.e. in order Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre, but Thomas has made an "SGM"- 50% Syrah, 40% Grenache, 10% Mourvedre with the Syrah coming from a slightly cooler terroir further up the Agly valley.
Well done Thomas.
High Praise from Rosemary George MW