2009 Domaine de La Combe Blanche La Chandeliere

Located in the massive Languedoc region of France, a name too often assosciated with factory mentality plonk. But side by side the merchants, co-operatives and brokers, the Languedoc offers some serious artisan wines. This is one. Guy Vanlancker is a former schoolteacher from Belgium who broke away from the local co-op in 1998 to pursue a higher quality of viniculture.
La Chandeliere is his 50/50 Syrah-Grenache blend from 30 year old vines.Vanlancker keeps yields well below approved limits, encourages indigineous yeasts and vinifies and ages parcels seperately. We were so taken by this top notch, value Rhone styled effort we negotiated for the lot. At this price, we don't expect it will be around for long.

Opaque black purple colour with deep purple red hue. The nose shows good intensity with lifted scents of black cherry, black raspberry and a touch of liquorice followed by some meaty earth like characters. Rich and full bodied the palate is stacked with ripe black cherry and black raspberry flavours followed by some liquorice, dried meats and a peppery back palate. Opulent mouthfeel with a dryish finish and velvet smooth tannins. Long aftertaste of ripe black cherry, liquorice, meaty characters and pepper.
Drink over the next 3-4 years (2013-2017).
Alc 15.0%