Maison Cassagne and Vitailles, “Combarels. …A la Lumière” – 2020, Terrasses du Larzac

The wine has a pale ruby color. The nose is aromatic, of medium intensity (+). Many floral notes in the bouquet: there are notes of fresh and dried roses, lilies, and cherry blossom, as well as subtle spices (white pepper, liquorice, cumin, fresh nutmeg) and a very slight saline hint and minerality. The fruits on the nose are juicy, fresh, and tangy: there are notes of red cherries, redcurrants, lingonberry, cranberries, and red plums, as well as blackcurrants and blackberries. A very delicate smoky and cocoa note on the second nose. The palate is juicy and elegant, on ripe red fruits (red cherry, red currant, cranberries) and tangy black fruits (blackcurrant, quetche), with subtle herbaceous notes of blackcurrant leaf, mint, thyme, and juniper. The tannins are fine, and velvety, with a good structure and of a medium (+) level. The finish is long fruity and round, with fine notes of pepper and liquorice as well as a touch of coffee. Acidity is high and very fresh, with good persistence on the finish. A warm peppery side on the finish (black pepper and peppermint). Beautiful complexity, precise and elegant structure, ample and concentrated wine.