Domaine De Tholomies 2013 – Minervois La Livinière

Very intense colour, still very black centre with a purple blue rim, colouring the glass. Intense nose, very modern, high degree of ripeness, ripe dark berries, blackberry, cassis, some dark chocolate in there. We have new wood in there but it’s well concealed beneath that layer of dark fruit; vanilla, some roasted notes. Very dense palate, good degree of concentration. I think it’s a fine balance between the tannins, that are grainy, almost like chocolate powder, giving a lift to that sweet opulent fruit. It’s obviously a rich texture, but I still think it keeps within the frame of a balanced and fresh wine. Oak is more integrated on the palate than on the nose. Very warm and friendly, with a sweet fruit profile. Well balanced, I think it has a quite attractive drinkability to it already now, I would however after opening it up put it in a decanter half an hour before drinking it. Showing a very good length, very persistent on the palate. A nice and modern style of Southern French Languedoc style without losing their identity, and well-treated oak finally. A wine that certainly has the potential to be aged for quite many years in the cellar, but I would be happy to open it rather in its youth and enjoy it with a nice chunky steak.

Tasted by the Best Sommelier of the World, Andreas Larsson.