$24.99 on 6+ bottles (used code: 6saves2)

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The 2022 (2023 not scored yet)
92+RP Wine Advocate
Aged in oak foudres of 25 hectoliters, the 2022 Tavel Tete de Cuvee is in some ways the most traditional of the Tavels on offer at this impeccably run estate, eschewing stainless steel and leaving out Syrah in favor of Grenache, Cinsault and Clairette. A light ruby in hue, it does show hints of pencil shavings on the nose, alongside more classic notes of redcurrants, tangerines and a touch of garrigue. It’s full-bodied yet not overly expansive, with the wood seemingly helping to provide structure and length

Grapes: 50% Grenache, 30% Cinsault, 20% Clairette (av age 40-42 years)
Soils: Pudding-stones over sand and blue clay soils
Farming: Biodynamic
Winemaking: Harvested by hand Grapes are destemmed, crushed and cold-soaked for 24-48 hours before pressing Alcoholic fermentation is initiated by native yeasts and continues at low temperatures (16-18C) for around 15 days Malolactic fermentation depending on vintage. Aged in large neutral oak of 25 hectoliters for 9 to 12 months

Winery Note:Typically a true Ros of gastronomy that will drink beautifully for ten years or more, showing aromas of fruit confit, flowers and spice. The palate is silky and dense with a red wine feel, with red currant, tart cherry and saline minerals that linger in the extraordinary, sapid, complex and very long finish. Serve with grilled tuna, pork or lamb, a ceviche, full-flavored fish and white meat dishes – the possibilities are endless, or just sip by itself on a summer evening. Delicious now, aging of at least a few years is also recommended.

Produced since 1915, this is the historic cuve of Chateau de Manissy, retaining the ancient label and the ancient methods of production, now enhanced by Biodynamic farming. Similar in style to the Tavel ‘Vintage” at Domaine L’Anglore, the wine is a blend of Grenache, Clairette and Cinsault that undergoes a 24 to 48 hour maceration on the skins and then a cool fermentation with wild yeasts for about 2 weeks. The wine ages in large old oak foudre barrels for 9 to 12 months (25 HL!).