2010 Domaine de Triennes, Les Aureliens, Coteaux Varois

High up in the hills of the Var region of Provence, Domaine de Triennes was founded in 1990 by Jacques Seysses of Domaine Dujac along with Aubert de Villaine of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti and their Parisian friend Michel Macaux. The name comes from the Roman Triennia festivities held in honour of Bacchus every three years in antiquity….rather decadent affairs by all accounts.

Les Auréliens Rouge, named after the mountain range which borders the estate, is a rich, robust, food-friendly blend of 50% Cab. Sauvignon and 50% Syrah which spends 12 months in old Domaine Dujac oak before bottling without fining or filtration. 2010 is, as elsewhere, an attractive vintage in the Var, more cerebral than its immediate forebear, yet richer and with finer tannins than both the 2008 and the 2006. Cassis and a sprig of Provencal mint, then a finely etched palate with food-friendly grip and a nicely tapered finish. 
Simon Field MW, Wine Buyer