2001 Vin de Pays de l'Herault Blanc

Produced from a blend of small amounts of Chardonnay with a preponderance of Roussanne, the 2001 La Grange des Peres (white) explodes from the glass with spicy honeyed minerals. Medium-bodied, ample, and lush, it conquers the taster’s palate with rich, velvety layers of syrupy spices, minerals, and hints of melon. Concentrated and revealing outstanding balance, this is a wonderfully deep and long finishing wine. Drink it over the next 6-7 years. This estate’s wines are frightfully expensive and terribly hard to locate in the United States, selling out instantly upon arrival on our shores. Nevertheless, it is important for The Wine Advocate to report on them as doing so may inspire young winemakers in the Languedoc to follow in the footsteps of Laurent Vaille, the dedicated, highly talented winemaker of Domaine La Grange des Peres. Importer: Daniel Johnnes/Jeroboam Wines, New York, NY; tel. (212) 625-2505; and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant, Berkeley, CA; tel. (510) 524-1524