Wine Enthusiast – October 2019

WINEMAG.COM | 151

ROUSSILLON

RED WINES

COLLIOURE

91

Les Clos de Paulilles 2017 Collioure. This starts

off somewhat reserved, with light scents of

plum skin, dried cherry and black tea, as well as a

hint of blackberry preserves. Soft herbal tones of

garrigue, fennel fronds and celery seed add addi-

tional depth and interest. The palate is smooth and

silky, with a lovely spiciness that lends lift through

the close. The tannins are fine and the acidity soft,

resulting in an approachable structure and a deli-

cate finish. The Hirsch Collection. —L.B.

abv: 15% Price: $30

90

Clos Saint Sebastien 2016 Inspiration

Marine (Collioure). This Mourvèdre-led

wine, with 10% Grenache Noir, starts off quite quiet

and reserved. Spicy, earthy accents of leather, lico-

rice root and fennel fronds float atop a delicate red-

fruit core. It shows more personality on the slightly

creamy palate, thanks to ripe red-plum and -cherry

flavors as well as plush, texturing tannins that offer

good grip and spicy length through the close. Quig-

ley Fine Wines. —L.B.

abv: 14% Price: $52

87

Lafage 2017 Arqueta (Collioure). There’s a

lovely baking-spice character on the nose

of this wine, with loads of pie crust, brambly berry

crumble and cola spice to the strawberry and red

cherry tones. A blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Syrah

and 25% Carignan, the palate is light and smooth,

with ripe red-fruit flavors of cherry, strawberry and

raspberry that carry through to the fruit-fueled fin-

ish. European Cellars. —L.B.

abv: 14.5% Price: $25

CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON

VILLAGES TAUTAVEL

92

Domaine de l’Edre 2017 Carrément Rouge

(Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel).

Dense, robust aromas of concentrated blackberry,

black plum, licorice and espresso form the bouquet

of this wine, with beautiful accents of licorice, men-

tholated garrigue and cassis. The palate is plush in

feel and velvety in texture, with supportive tannins

that frame the ripe flavors of black plums and ber-

ries. The finish is long and evolving, transitioning

from fruity tones to seductive herbs and baking

spice, finally resolving on hints of roasted cocoa nib

and black tea. Drink now–2024. Hand Picked Selec-

tions. Editors’ Choice. —L.B.

abv: 15% Price: $20

92

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau 2016 Silex

(Côtes du Roussillon Villages Tautavel). A

lovely crushed stone and earthy spice character

is right upfront on the nose of this lush red, with

scents of cocoa-dusted cherry, wild raspberry, blue-

berry and cola spice. The medium-weight palate is

well balanced and shows nice breadth, with medium

tannins that lend a velvety texture and herbed berry

flavors that carry through to the enduring finish.

A kiss of fudgy brownie unfolds on the way back.

Drink now–2024. Hand Picked Selections. Editors’

Choice. —L.B.

abv: 14% Price: $36

90

Domaine de l’Edre 2016 Côtes du Roussil-

lon Villages Tautavel. Just-ripe red cherry

and boysenberry lead the nose of this attractive

wine, while additional hints of pepper, pressed vio-

let and licorice lend extra depth and interest. The

medium-weight palate is smooth and velvety in feel,

with moderately structuring tannins that frame

the ripe red-berry flavors. The finish shows a nice

transition from fruit flesh to skin, finally landing

on notes of black tea and dried herbs. Hand Picked

Selections. —L.B.

abv: 15% Price: $40

89

Les Vignerons de Tautavel Vingrau 2015

Vingt Marches (Côtes du Roussillon Villages

Tautavel). This Syrah-based blend, with 20% Gre-

nache and 10% Carignan, shows a soft gamy accent

on the nose, with secondary scents of dried red ber-

ries, potpourri and tea leaf. It’s medium in weight,

with moderate tannins that frame the enduring

cherry and berry tones. Hints of curing spice and

crushed violet add intrigue to the close. Hand

Picked Selections. —L.B.

abv: 14.5% Price: $24

88

Domaine des 3 Vallées 2015 Côtes du Rous-

sillon Villages Tautavel. There’s a vanilla-

tinged oak influence to the nose of this wine. It rides

atop plush blackberry and cherry tones, with addi-

tional touches of tree bark and licorice root. A blend

of 50% Grenache, 30% Syrah and 20% Carignan,

the velvety palate boasts lightly juicy black-cherry

and -berry flavors that are kissed by baking spices.

Hand Picked Selections. —L.B.

abv: 14.5% Price: $25

CÔTES DU ROUSSILLON

VILLAGES

94

Domaine du Clos des Fées 2015 La Petite

Sibérie (Côtes du Roussillon Villages). This

dark and dense wine is lovely and enticing right

from the start, with concentrated aromas of black

cherry, plum and mulberry. It’s similarly brooding

and rich in black fruit and berry flavors on the pal-

ate, topped with notes of roasted cocoa nib, pressed

violet, garrigue oils and black tea for added depth

and interest. The palate is smooth and velvety, with

refined yet structuring tannins and a long finish of

plush black fruit and lightly salted dark chocolate.

Drink now–2029. Robert Kacher Selections. —L.B.

abv: 15% Price: $NA

91

Domaine du Clos des Fées 2015 Vieilles Vignes

(Côtes du Roussillon Villages). A blend of

50% Grenache, 35% Carignan and 15% Syrah from

50–100 year-old vines, there’s a gamy top note to

the nose of this wine, grounded by scents of red