2006 Ch. de Cesseras, Minervois La Livinière

Chateau de Cesseras is one of the most celebrated names in relatively new and increasingly successful appellation; the first cru with a cru as it were , and the blueprint for an entire qualitative system in the Languedoc. Pierre André blends 70% of Syrah with 10% each of Carignan, Grenache and Mourvèdre and ages the assemblage in a combination of tank and 60% barrique, a small percent of which is new. The wine is polished, rich and hedonistic, with creamy black fruits, plenty of spicy weight and an impressive palate where the tannins hold the greater indulgences in check and provide a satisfying architecture. The 2006 has been especially successful, coming top in a recent Revue Des Vins De France tasting, and attracting a very impressive 91 points in no less an publication than the influential Wine Advocate.
(Simon Field MW, BBR Buyer)