40% Grenache, 30% Mourvèdre, 30% Syrah. Clos St Michel (15ha) has been part of the Mousset family vineyard since 1953. Franck and Olivier Mousset are the family's 4th generation of winemakers in the Châteauneuf-du-Pape and Côtes du Rhône area. Vines are planted on argilo-calcaire soils, at 3,500-4,500 vines/ha. Pruned to gobelet for the Grenache and Mourvèdre, Cordon de Royat for Syrah. Hand-picked grapes at 28-35hl/ha. 100% destemmed and crushed, then 3 week maceration in stainless steel at 25-28°C. After pressing, malolactic takes place in concrete vats. Proportion of the blend is barrel aged for 9 months in barrique.

Juicy, ripe, fruity aroma, with some spice. Again, a cod liver oil taste. Very odd. Tasted this on the Cahors as well.
Alc 14%, TA 3.0g/l, pH 3.70, RS < 4.0g/l. Available from Wine Direct and 192 branches.
15/10/2008

_________________
mel