Clos del Rey - Côtes du Roussillon-Villages 2018

In the foothills of the Pyrénées Mountains, not far from the Mediterranean sea, the Clos del Rey property is composed of nearly 900 acres situated in the center of the tiny village of Maury. The estate has been owned and farmed by the Montagne family since 2001. The vineyard itself is nestled among a protected area of garrigues (rosemary, thyme, cistus) where vines of up to 120 years of age are allowed to grow natural and untrained, in the old-fashioned way, known as the goblet/bush style. Though, it is what lies beneath the vineyard that lends much of the character and complexity found in their wines. An abandoned iron mine resides on the property, imparting red and orange hues to the soils of Clos del Rey, as well as a soft minerality and silky mouthfeel to the wines.

The Clos del Rey Côtes du Roussillon-Villages is an absolutely stunning blend of 60% Grenache and 40% Syrah. Deep purple, almost opaque in color, this wine is big and bold with masses of deep, dark fruit and spice, mouth-coating tannins and mind-bending concentration and richness. This wine is a ringer for Châteauneuf-du-Pape, and rivals that region, both in value and quality.