Gerard Bertrand – Le Viala 2013 – Minervois La Livinière

Medium to deep ruby-red colour, with a youthful purple hue. Young nose. With a quite high ripeness. There are hints of mainly black fruit, with plum, blackberry, some pepperiness, slight hint of leather. Some dried herbs, in the direction of garni. There is a slight hint of oak, nicely concealed beneath that wealth of dark fruit. Very good grip on the palate. High density of fruit, but rather rounded in terms of extract. There is really grainy and powdery tannin. Fine spiciness on the palate. There are notes of fine leather, with black pepper, liquorice. Ripe but not overripe dark fruit. Really juicy and dark plum. Nice integration. Very long and spicy finish. Doubtlessly a wine with truly fine potential. It should easily have ten plus years ahead of it. I do find it pretty delicious right now for that wealth of spicy dark fruit.

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