Mas de Libian Cotes du Rhone Bout d’Zan 2018

Biodynamic. This bohemian Ardeche Domaine has found yet another gear of late, and their Côtes du Rhône Bout d’Zan has become an unmissable buy. It’s drawn from 35-year-old biodynamically managed vines rooted in a range of highland soils. The blend is roughly 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, co-fermented. Raised in a mix of Stockinger foudre and cement vats, it’s a joyously perfumed, spicy Rhône red. Raspberry, rosemary and sage notes, a juicy palate that’s medium-to-light bodied, and a long, sappy, fragrant and very refreshing close. Do not hesitate.

Shiny red robe; the bouquet has a little heart to it, is rounded, on plum, cooked red berry fruit. It holds well, has some scope. The fruit takes off attractively on the attack, comes with a squeezy, appealing texture and presents a little foundation at the end, continues well, the close fresh. This is wine for la table, a strong ***(*).” John-Livingston Learmonth, drinkrhone.com