2012 Cotes Catalanes Secrets de Schistes
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My favorite of the 2012s, the 2012 Igp Côtes Catalanes Secret de Schistes comes from the Agly Valley and higher elevation, brown schist soils. Like the other releases here, it’s 100% Syrah fermented and aged all in new barrels. This insanely good Syrah offers loads of blackcurrants, graphite, crushed rock and licorice aromatics, with floral and violet notes developing with time in the glass. Every bit as impressive on the palate, with full-bodied richness, impeccable balance and sweet tannin, drink it anytime over the coming decade.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Jeb Dunnuck
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The 2012 IGP Côtes Catalanes Secret de Schistes comes all from the black schist soils of Maury and is a blend of 100% Syrah that was raised all in new oak. It’s unusual to see this quality of Syrah come from Maury (especially in 2012), but this beauty has incredible notes of crème de cassis, melted licorice, crushed rocks and toasted spice to go with a full-bodied, elegant, seamless and silky feel on the palate. The purity here is off the charts, it has a full, layered mid-palate and fine tannin that emerge on the finish, all of which allow it to drink beautifully today. It will have no issues holding for another 7-8 years.
"The 2012 IGP Côtes Catalanes Secret de Schistes comes all from the black schist soils of Maury and is a blend of 100% Syrah that was raised all in new oak. It’s unusual to see this quality of Syrah come from Maury (especially in 2012), but this beauty has incredible notes of crème de cassis, melted licorice, crushed rocks and toasted spice to go with a full-bodied, elegant, seamless and silky feel on the palate. The purity here is off the charts, it has a full, layered mid-palate and fine tannin that emerge on the finish, all of which allow it to drink beautifully today. It will have no issues holding for another 7-8 years. Château de l’Ou is located roughly ten kilometers to the south of Perpignan and is run by Séverine and Philippe Bourrier. They own five hectare of vines and release a number of different cuvees, with the Infiniment de l’Ou and the Secret de Schistes being the top release. I loved the 2011s from this estate last year, and these 2012s are even better. These are jaw-dropping good Roussillons!"