Chateau Saint-Roch Chimeres Cotes du Roussillon Villages, Languedoc-Roussillon, France

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I reported on the 2007 Cotes du Roussillon Chimeres from his small Maury estate Chateau Saint Roch in issue 83, but now that the wine has been bottled, I want to re-emphasize its amazing quality (not even to mention for the price!) A blend of Grenache with a bit of Carignan from Maury’s schist and chalk with Syrah from high-altitude granite slopes in Saint Paul de Fenouillet, it was fermented and raised in 500-liter barrels and bottled at the very end of last year. Fresh and jam-like layers of black raspberry, rhubarb, and fresh cherry in the nose and mouth are tinged with resinous sage, rosemary, and lavender, while striking top notes of gentian and violet waft from the glass. For all of its saturating sweet ripeness and fresh berry brightness on a silken-textured palate, this also harbors low-toned roast meatiness, while piquant notes of toasted pistachio and almond, black pepper, cherry pit, and herbs keep its long finish far from any danger of succumbing to superficial sweetness. It will be worth following for at least 3-4 years, if not longer. It almost seems as though Jean-Marc Lafarge is out to spoil things for every other southern French vintner by treating the consumer to wines of ridiculous value.Importer: Eric Solomon Selections, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565

Perfectly suited for the seasonal weather, this warming wine displays a strong sense of place, with warm, herbal, lavender aromas. Substantial red fruit, cassis and blackberry, wrapped in a supportive structure. £9.99