What a unique wine! Its big personality was born out of a meeting of Louis Mitjavile, an exceptional producer in Saint Emilion (Tertre Roteboeuf), who brings his knowledge of the vine, vinification and ageing to this wine and Luc Baudet of Mas Neuf. The challenge was to blend the qualities of Bordeaux and the South and this has been achieved with outrageous success. Full, rich and brooding with loads of character. Stunning value for this quality.
PRODUCER: |
Chateau Mas Neuf |
REGION: |
Southern France |
APPELLATION: |
Vin de Pays D’Oc |
VINTAGE: |
2011 |
BLEND: |
40% Grenache, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet Sauvignon |
USE OF OAK: |
New French Oak |
AGING: |
30 months |
AGE OF VINES: |
Ave. 35 years old |
PRODUCTION: |
6,000 bottles |
CHARACTERISTICS
Very dark red colour. Intense on the nose, revealing notes of roasted coffee, dark berries (black cherry, blueberry) and smokey graphite. On the palate, very full, strong, smooth tannins, big volume in the mouth, but with a freshness that ensures the wine is not heavy. Dark berry fruits are balanced beautifully by the tannins and acidity giving great length. The wine is perfect for roasted meats. It will continue to improve with age and drink well for up to 20 years
THE WINERY
Luc Baudet took over this run down estate in 2000 with a little help from investor friends. Originating from the south of France, he did not have a background in wine; however he did study Agronomy with a specialisation for food science and always had a passion for food, tastes and scents. An early career with an Irish Whisky company and further roles with global food and wine companies led him progressively towards wanting to do his own thing. Mas Neuf offered a great opportunity with established vines, classic “gallets” vineyards like Chateauneuf du Pape and being very close to the sea in the very south of the Rhone, a much cooler average temperature, ensuring a longer growing season, more opportunity for grape variety and less over-ripeness. Strict yield control and pursuit of quality in the cellar has led to Mas Neuf now producing some of the highest rated wines in the region, as well as some of the most unusual.