2012 Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape L'Ancely

Moving to their Mourvedre-dominated cuvee, which comes from a single plot of vines in Fleury d’Aude, located next to the sea, the 2012 Coteaux du Languedoc La Clape L’Ancely is a completely destemmed blend of 85% Mourvedre, 10% Grenache and 5% Syrah that will spend upwards of 20 months in 25% new demi-muids. Full-bodied, layered and seamless, with a rock star texture, it boasts serious levels of smoked meats, olive tapenade, mint and sage brush that are grounded by a core of dark fruit. It’s a big, textured wine, yet it stays remarkably well-balanced and fresh, without ever seeming over-the-top. It should be approachable on release given its wealth of fruit and texture, and evolve gracefully for 15-20 years or more. Winemaker Didier Lacreu and consultant Claude Gros have fashioned some of the top efforts in this report. Located in the stunningly beautiful La Clape region, which lies between Narbonne and the Mediterranean Sea, the estate consists of a handful of vineyards, all of which lie within sight of the sea. While all of their wines lean towards the full-bodied, decadent end of the spectrum, they possess fabulous, singular bouquets as well as balanced, seamless and even elegant profiles on the palate. They won’t be for everyone, yet I’m a huge fan. www.lanegly.fr; Imported by Jeffrey Davies Signature Selections, Bordeaux; tel. 011 33 556 081 954