Domaine Saint Croix - "Le Fournas" Corbières Rouge 2023

Domaine Sainte Croix, owned and run by English husband-and-wife team Jon and Elizabeth Bowen, is tucked away in the rugged limestone hills of the High Corbières in the village of Fraissé des Corbières, at the crossroads of the Languedoc and Roussillon. Drawing on extensive experience in both traditional French stone caves and large-scale, modern wineries around the world, the Bowens were immediately struck by the site’s unique geology and climat, recognizing its immense potential from the outset. The couple organically farm (certified since 2008) their thirteen-hectare estate among a mosaic of diverse terroirs, ranging from steel-blue limestone and sandy, gravelly clay shot through with quartz to striking bands of purple-green schist, all shaped by a strong mesoclimate where cooling maritime influences meet the heat and dryness of the interior. Planted to Carignan, Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, as well as a tiny amount of Aramon, Alicante Bouschet and Morrastel Bouschet for reds and Grenache Blanc and Gris for whites, these vineyards yield red, rosé, and white wines of marked identity, combining depth and concentration with freshness and elegance.

Medium-bodied red from Grenache, Carignan, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Blackcurrant and cherry character with a floral background, followed by loganberry and damson. Supple and soft palate with a seductive freshness and cleanness of fruit. Concentrated but approachable.