Chateau d’Angles La Clape Rouge 2016, A.C. La Clape, France
£20.00 – £108.00
Julius Cesar gifted this rocky outcrop overlooking the Mediterranean to his most favoured legionnaires, and so it was the soldiers of the 10th legion who first began the planting of the hallowed Bourboulenc grape variety there, considered in Greek mythology to confer wisdom on those who drank it. Today, Eric Fabre (of Chateau Lafite Rothschild fame), is using his wealth of experience to showcase the nuances of the La Clape appellation. This is a Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre blend that lets the focus be on the fruit and the terroir.
Tasting notes
This is currently wood dominated, with aggressive sweet-oak characteristics that overwhelm the jammy, preserve-like raspberry and mulberry fruit tones. It’s brimming with vanilla bean and whole baking spice throughout the nose and mouth, with an additional hint of graphite. The palate is firm in tannic grip, and prominent impressions of pencil shavings and sweet oak dominate the underlying fruit.
| ABV | 14% |
|---|---|
| Closure | Cork |
| Decant from | One hour before serving |
| Drink from | 2020 – 2025 |
| Food match | Beef, Pork, Hard Bodied Cheeses |
| Origin | France |
| Producer | Chateau d'Angles |
| Varietal | Syrah, Grenache, Mourvedre |
