…rich nature

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 50+ year old vines used for this wine are grown in an exceptional setting, surrounded by olive trees, pine forests, oak trees and orchards. They enjoy exposure from the north, south and west, and are cooled by the Mistral and Tramontane winds. The grapes are heavily influenced by the gravel-clay and limestone soils on the hillsides of the Herault Valley, and the chalky, fossil-rich soils on the gentle slopes of the Thau marshes.
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 grapes were harvested at night to retain their dynamic typicity and underwent a cool maceration for around 7 days with daily pump overs to extract a deep colour and earthy character. The grapes 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. Then 50% was transferred to oak barrels for a gentle malolactic fermentation and then ageing for 6 months in American oak *(20% new) and the rest continuing its maturating in stainless-steel tanks.

★ On the inviting aroma, you have notes of blackcurrants, blackberries, liquorice along with grilled red peppers, tobacco, cacao and dried spices. The palate is nicely balanced with a charming complexity, velvet texture and dense berry flavours that engage the full breadth of the palate. The wine has a rich earthy nature and a medium-to-full bodied weight. The wine has ripe tannins and a deft infusion of sweet oak giving the wine just enough structure and an early drinking appeal. The wine its kept upbeat by those dark berries, while remaining focused with an ideal amount of fruit acidity, which leads you through to a lingering character finish.

This 2023 Paul Mas ‘Réserve’ Single Vineyard Carignan has 14% Alc./vol. Made in a classic dry style. Medium decanting required (30-45 minutes) and serve in a generously shaped wine glass at 16°- 17°C. *NZ$32

CELLARING POTENTIAL: *(Review 4/5/25)
With mild decanting drinking this season; and will age nicely for another 4 - 5 years.

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