Rarissime 2015 - Mas Gabinèle

Rarissime 2015 - Mas Gabinèle

- Rating vintage 2015: (94 - 96)/100 Parker

Reviewed by Jeb Dunnuck the 28th Apr 2017 : "A smoking good red from the schist soils of the fabulous appellation, the 2015 Faugeres Rarissime checks in as a mix of 88% Syrah, 6% Grenache and 6% Mourvèdre. It delivers stunning notes of cassis, currants, leather, licorice and spice in a full-bodied, supple, pure and elegant style that carries its weight and richness effortlessly. This is a serious, knockout bottle of wine!"

- Geographical origin

In the heart of the Faugères appellation, the vineyard extends over a little over 18 hectares, on the last foothills of the Cévennes overlooking the village of Laurens. The vines, ideally located at an altitude of 180 meters, are 30 to 60 years old and naturally give small yields.

- Grape varieties

Syrah 70%, Grenache 25%, Mourvèdre 5%.

- Soil

The soils are dominated by the sandstone schists of Laurens-Cabrières, neighboring those of the Monts du Faugérois. These are soils with a fragile structure, with an acidic tendency, sometimes difficult but which, associated with adapted management systems, allow a good balance of the vines.  

- Pruning and yield

Double Cordon de Royat pruning on Syrah and Mourvèdre, traditional goblet pruning on Grenache. The yield is 25 to 30 hl/ha depending on the plots.

- Vinification

Manual harvest with sorting of very ripe grapes at the plot (between September 21st and October 10th). Long macerations at high temperature (25-30° C), even and especially after the completion of the sugars. Extraction by succession and alternation of the usual techniques: pumping over and delestage. Early settling in new barrels, maturing for 16 months. We have produced 13,000 bottles of this cuvée.

- Tasting

Black is black, but there is still hope! That of discovering a wine that is exceptional in its concentration and elegance. Concentration is demonstrated by the density of the color, by the contained power of the aromas and by the richness in the mouth. The initial aromatic restraint requires decanting to reveal notes of zan, blackberry and blackcurrant jam, Madagascar pepper, mocha, pencil lead and cinnamon. The tannins are very ample, very dense, intimately linked, installing an incredible balance with a respectable degree of alcohol and an unexpected and welcome freshness.

- Temperature and serving advice, gastronomic alliance

Obviously, the tasting of such a wine must be shared (Brassens would say no more than four because beyond that we're a bunch of jerks). The sharing could be done with a slice of buttered bread for a good meal. to put in mouth then a poularde de Bresse with truffle, or an old Salers.

• Température et conseils de service, alliance gastronomique

Evidemment, la dégustation d’un tel vin doit être partagée (Brassens dirait à pas plus de quatre car au-delà on est une bande de cons). Le partage pourrait se faire avec une tartine de pain beurrée pour se mettre en bouche puis une poularde de Bresse à la truffe, ou un vieux Salers.