…relaxed complexity

I have had the pleasure to visit Paul Mas Wines on a couple of occasions, with the winery and vineyards located between Pézenas and Montpellier - just 10km from the Mediterranean. These varied vineyards cover 162 hectares across the Languedoc wine appellations. The grapes for this wine were sourced from the low cropping ‘La Forge’ vineyard which lies just a short distance east of the iconic fortified city of Carcassonne. The grapes heavily influenced by the gravelly clay, limestone and chalk soils of the area.
Jean-Claude is a first-generation winemaker, though he is a fourth-generation grape-grower, and has been a leader in bringing a new focus to this historical Languedoc grape-growing region of Southern France. Since taking the helm of the family business in 2000, he has looked to source the highest quality grapes from fifteen privately-owned estates and premier growers.
The hand-harvested grapes were destemmed and underwent a cool maceration for around 10 days with daily pump overs to extract a rich colour and character. The grape were then softly pressed, and the first pressings re-blended with the free run juice. Fermentation took place in stainless-steel tanks at controlled temperatures. A small portion (around 20%) was transferred to oak barrels for a gentle malolactic fermentation and then ageing for 6 months in French oak and the rest continuing its maturating in stainless-steel tanks.

✱ On pouring you are greeted by a deep red colour with a shining hue. On the developing aroma, notes of blackcurrants, blueberries, blackberries, along with red peppers, tobacco, cacao, dried spices and vanilla.
The palate is nicely balanced with a relaxed complexity, due to its velvety texture and dense berry flavours that engage the full breadth of the palate. The wine has a luscious nature and a medium-to-full bodied weight. The wine has ripe tannins and a deft infusion of vanilla oak giving the wine a good structure and an elegance. As the wine its kept vibrant and celebrates those ripe dark berries, while remaining classically taught with just the right amount of fruit acidity. Which leads you through to a remarkably long and memorable finish.

This 2020 Paul Mas ‘Réserve’ S.V. Cabernet Sauvignon has 13.5% Alc./vol. Made in a classic dry style. Medium decanting required (30-45 minutes) and serve in a generously shaped wine glass at 16°- 18°C. *NZ$28.99

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 20/8/22)
With medium decanting approachable and drinking this season - though it would appreciate another 6-9 months in the bottle and will age well for another 5 - 7 years.

FOOD PAIRING SUGGESTIONS:
Perfect wine pairing with slow roasted or grilled meats, wild game dishes served with a wine-jus and earthy vegetables or a truffle mash or duck-fat chunky-chips, mushroom-truffle pasta dishes, along with aged hard cheeses - enjoy.