Maison Cassagne and Vitailles, “Combarels. De l’Ombre” – 2020, Terrasses du Larzac

The wine has a pale ruby color. The nose is aromatic and expressive, very fresh, with a beautiful fruity bouquet. It reveals notes of small juicy red fruits (cranberries, red cherry, lingonberry), tangy black fruits (blackberry, Morello cherry, cassis), a refined and complex spiciness of peppery notes completed by delicate hints of liquorice, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg. The freshness of the wine is bright, floral, and herbal: there are elegant notes of dried herbs (mint, bay leaf, thyme) and a pleasant hint of fresh herbs and flowers (rosemary, violet). On the palate, the flavors are fruity and juicy, with lots of red fruit: cranberries, lingonberry, red cherries, Morello cherries, strawberries, raspberries, and tart redcurrant. There is a delicate hint of minerality and smoke (flint), as well as expressive and persistent, but well-integrated notes of liquorice, eucalyptus, and dried herbs (mint, oregano, thyme). Exceptional persistence, a juicy and fresh finish, with crisp acidity, of a high level. The tannins are elegant and well-structured, with a supple and velvety texture. Very long finish with a slight spiciness and a good bitterness of cocoa. A very complex wine, concentrated, but refined and elegant.