1997 Clavel "Garrigues"

[Scoop]

The 1997 Clavel Coteaux du Languedoc Mejanelle "Les Garrigues" is a lusty, quaffable mix of equal parts Syrah and Grenache. It's full of deep berry fruit with some good, roasted barnyard earth, nice chewy (but soft)tannins and a long finish. At $8.99 a bottle retail, this is a case buy for Rhone/Provence "terroir" fans. Good wine-making going on at Clavel (the more expensive Santa Copita is also delicious).

Cheers,

Scoop

[Bucko]

I have always enjoyed their La Copa Santa, another good value.

Bucko

[Scoop]

Thanks, Bucko -- La Copa Santa is indeed the correct name for the other Clavel.

Too many e-mails for me today!

Scoop

[Innkeeper]

Where can the the Clavel's be got? Ah! Should have known. Found them both on Garnet's page.

[This message has been edited by Innkeeper (edited 03-31-2000).]

[Bucko]

They can be a tough find. I usually buy mine at Wine Exchange or Wine Club (both on the net, located in CA, and they ship).

Bucko

[Scoop]

You got it Innkeeper -- Garnet in NYC!

Scoop

[mrdutton]

I am going to NYC in June....... Man oh man, I can't wait!!

[This message has been edited by mrdutton (edited 04-13-2000).]

[misterjive]

I've always loved Les Garrigues, and get it locally for $7.99. Not only great terroir of roasted earth, but nice leather and pencil-lead shavings. Also mushrooms. A great old world-tasting wine (my girlfriend will not drink it because it tastes "yucky" to her) that would go well with roast Duck or other rich, smoky gamebird.

[Scoop]

You are correct Misterjive: a lot of "Old World" complexity for the buck, but also exceedingly drinkable upon release. I'm actually in Les Garrigues "withdrawal", because my wine shop sold out its stock and is still waiting on another shipment!

Cheers,

Scoop

[Scoop]

A quick update on the "Les Garrigues".

First, Frank Prial of the NYT gave the 1997 a nice mention in his column today (5/10), which was a round-up of the "revitalized" Languedoc wine-making region.

Second, the 1997 vintage of Les Garrigues is just about history (i.e. sold out).

Third, the 1998 vintage should soon be available (first shipments should arrive in a couple of weeks), and given the great harvest in the Languedoc and the southern Rhone in 1998, expectations are very high.

Will return with a 1998 review very soon.

Cheers,

Scoop