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  • 94
  • Nick's Import

2014 Mas des Volques Volcae

Duche d’Uzes, Rhone Valley, FRANCE
$21. 99
Bottle
$263.88 Dozen
Cellar: 4 - 5 Years (2020-2021)
ABV: 15.5%
Closure: Cork

An exciting new discovery hailing from the Western reaches of the Rhone Valley in the newly classified AOP Duche d’Uzes appellation. Positioned on the border between the Rhône valley and the Languedoc and straddling the mountainous climate of the Massif Central and the gentle Mediterranean climate of the Costieres-de-Nîmes, the AOP Duché d’Uzes is not only one of France’s newest appellations but historically one of it’s most ancient. This rugged region was the birthplace of the Volcae, an ancient Celtic confederation that at one time controlled a vast area stretching from northern Spain to Macedonia.

The Souchon family, who have farmed vineyards in this region for generations sold their fruit to a cooperative outfit for more than 80 years until 2010 when fourth generation Nicolas Souchon (who was also the assistant winemaker at Clos Saint Jean in Chateauneuf du Pape), together with the able assistance of Philippe Cambie decided to produce his own wines. ‘Mas des Volques’ Estate was created and a new winery built with fruit sourced only from the highest quality, older vineyards.

Loaded with richness and possessing a chewy textural feel, this delicious Rhone is a fantastic new find

A blend of 40% Syrah, 35% Grenache and 25% Carignan sourced from vines with an average age of 45 years. The Syrah and Carignan components are aged in a mixture of new and older Burgundy oak barrels for 12 months whilst the Grenache is aged in concrete tank. Outstanding colour displaying an inky black dark purple core with a very deep dark purple hue. The nose is a touch subdued at first but eventually opens up to reveal aromatics of black raspberries, black cherries and liquorice over a background of dried meats, incense and spice. Rich and full bodied, yet with a slightly restrained mouthfeel the palate is awash with inky black fruits including black cherries, liquorice and black raspberries followed by spicy dried meats and pepper. Chewy, dry finish with a solid tannin structure. Long inky black cherry, liquorice, black raspberries, spicy dried meats and pepper aftertaste.
Cellar 4-5 years.
Alc 15.5%

Other Reviews….
The first vintage made 100% by the young proprietor Nicolas Souchon, the 2014 Duche d'Uzes is one sexy blend of mostly Grenache (there's smaller parts Carignan and Syrah) that was raised all in concrete tanks. It offers tons of black raspberries, vanilla bean, crushed flowers and Provencal herbs in a medium to full-bodied, silky, polished, elegant package that's hard to stop drinking. It has more fruit and texture than most in the vintage and will knock it out of the park over the coming 4-5 years.
90-92 points
Jeb Dunnuck – Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate