2013 Mas de Daumas Gassac, Rouge, St Guilhem-le-Désert Cité d'Aniane, Languedoc
Description
Super ripe, dense fruit, plum, smoke, scorched earth, lavender. This wine has a hot, dark centre, but lots of perfume and freshness surround it on the nose. It has a lovely soft texture on the palate, is absolutely seamless, has no edges, and is balanced by fresh, integrated acidity. Reams of ripe red and black fruits on the palate with plum leading cassis in a dance to the fine, delicate finish.
Berry Bros. & Rudd
-
Colour
Red -
Sweetness
Dry -
Vintage
2013 -
Alcohol
13.5% -
Grape
Cabernet Sauvignon,Merlot,Tannat,Petit Verdot,Cabernet Franc,Pinot Noir,Other Varieties -
Body
Full Bodied -
Producer
Mas de Daumas Gassac
Critics reviews
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
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
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