2008 Domaine d'Antugnac, Pinot Noir, Côté Pierre Lys, Vin de Pays D'Oc

The quest for a quality Pinot Noir outside Burgundy is an interesting one; so far the leading contenders are Central Otago in New Zealand and Carneros in California. The grape needs to ripen, and must not be green, but it is even less attractive if it gets too much sun and the fruit becomes jammy, flabby even. This is where the high altitude vineyards of Limoux, up to 500 metres at one point, come into play. And who better to make the wines than celebrated Burgundian and great friend of BBR, Jean Luc Terrier?

The influence of the Pyrénées, allied to the day-night temperature variations, are both significant back-drops here; once the grapes have arrived at the winery they are afforded great courtesy, with a cool pre-fermentation maceration followed by a lengthy fermentation and then a maturation until September in barrels, 50% of which are new. The wine has classic aromas of rosehip, blackberry and cherry and a palate which is silky and elegant; the generous oak is still in evidence but will soften over the next six months. A very commendable effort!
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)