Domaine La Madura St.-Chinian "Classic" Rouge '16

This vintage is composed of 37% Carignan, 33% Grenache, 16% Mourvedre and 14% Syrah. Carignan and Grenache see aging in concrete whereas the Mourvedre and Syrah are aged in old oak barrels. In the Languedoc, you typically seen mono-soil types associated with each region and its varietals, but in Saint-Chinian there is a spectrum of variety in soil types. To us, this adds to its complexity and outstanding character that La Madura has been so incredible at capturing. These varietals are grown in clay limestone, schist and sandstone soils, all contributing something to the composure of the wine. Striking minerality on the palate, fabulously integrated and fine-grained tannins; a wine that is focused and showing incredibly well upon first opening the bottle. There are fresh herbal tones, bright fruit and hints of spice. This wine is made for lamb. With Cyril's in-depth experience, from his time in Bordeaux back to his home in the Languedoc, La Madura is emblematic of Saint-Chinian and the shift toward more estate-driven wineries in an area known for large-scale wineries.