DOMAINE DE L’HORTUS “Classique” 2019

(Pic Saint Loup, Languedoc-Roussillon, France) $17

The family-owned Domaine de l’Hortus Bergerie lies in a coolish valley between two facing limestone cliffs, the Pic Saint Loup and the Montagne de l’Hortus. Archeological evidence reveals that during the Upper Pleistocene era, the sheltered valley with its many natural caves was an important site where Neanderthal hunter-gathers lived. The valley is just a few miles from the Mediterranean Sea, yet cold winds blowing down from the north create a perfect diurnal fluctuation of cold nights and warm days for the syrah, grenache and mourvèdre vines here. And the wine shows it. Rich with dried cherry, black licorice, and wild resinous herb flavors, it is at the same time, a wine of great energy, freshness, and sleekness. Speaking from experience, it’s the kind of southern French red you could drink all night.  And a stunning find at $17 a bottle! 14.5% abv

92 points KM

Available at Acker Wines