Tasting note

Tasted as a pre-assemblage, Clavel's 2010 Coteaux du Languedoc Pic Saint-Loup Bonne Pioche (for more on whose name and make-up - primarily young Syrah and old Grenache ...) is much more open and expressive at this stage (mid-April) than his other 2010s. Juniper, peat, blond tobacco, and crushed stone pungently and smokily accent ripe, tart-edged black fruits in the nose as well as on a finely-tannic palate, leading to a finish of admirable buoyancy for so concentrated a wine, as well as of interactive, undulating layers of herb, berry, and mineral flavors. (No animal dimension has yet emerged.) This is going to impress for 6-8 years, I suspect. Score - 90-91+. (David Schildknecht, erobertparker.com, Aug. 2011)

This dry, medium-bodied and spicy red displays a complex and medium nose. On the palate, its refreshing acidity, smooth tannins, and broad texture precede a medium finish.