2007 Mas Conscience, Le Cas, Vin De Pays de l'Herault

Weightier, biodynamic Carignan from a little further north of Camplazens
(Bob Tyrer - Sunday Times - 27-Sept-2009)

Laurent and Geneviève Vidal are making quite a name for themselves, in an appelation, Les Terrases De Larzac, which is very much à la mode at the moment. BBR, with Pèira, D'Auphilac and Plan De L'Om, not to mention Mas De Daumas Gassac not far away, in addition to Mas Conscience, are certainly big admirers of the wines from this part of the world. In this case there seems to be a direct correlation between the bio-dynamic approach in the vineyards and the purity and power of these 55 year-old Carignan vines.

The wine has had minimal handling, certainly without fining or filtration, and when first opened, the aromatics are quite raw. If, however, one decants the wine and gives it plenty of air over two or three hours, it takes on a wonderful almost ethereal quality, with a nose of laurel, cassis and sousbois, then a rich and concentrated palate, again marked by the contrast between the generous weight of black fruit, and the lifted mineral character, with hints of spice and licorice rounding it off perfectly. One for game or casseroles, or even Roquefort cheese, which is made locally...
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)

The Mas Conscience 2007 Le Cas – 100% Carignan from quartzite-rich cobbles, raised in concrete vats – should come as a revelation to any who doubt the potential of a grape too often subjected to disrespect (hence the play on the words for “bad conscience” to which the name of this cuvee alludes.) A profusion of ripe blue- and blackberries pointing to the inherent beauty of truly ripe Carignan is accented with spice and pungent herbs... Dark suggestions of toasted nuts and peat lend an aura of mystery, while the combination of tart berry skin, and saline minerality in the finish is enormously invigorating. My guess is that this should merit 5-7 years’ cellaring.
(David Schildknecht - Wine Advocate - Jun 09)