Domaine Saint Antonin - Cazalet 2020
Deriving its name from the French term fougères — the powerfully aromatic ferns which grow across the region — Faugères is situated in the heart of Languedoc, about twenty miles away from the Mediterranean Sea nestled in the foothills of the Cévennes. It is perhaps France's most underrated AOC, and one of my little secret regions when it comes to finding hidden gems in southern France. I would even venture to say that Faugères is the Grand Cru of the Languedoc — a region whose wines are so distinct, expressive and of such high quality that they stand a cut above the rest. The secret is the region's schist soils.
The vineyards of Domaine Saint Antonin are comprised primarily of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and old-vine Grenache and Carignan, rooted in those same rocky, schistic soils. Frédéric Albaret takes an eco-conscious approach to farming — his vineyards are certified organic — and tends to the vines manually. His son is finishing his degree in oenology at Montpellier, at times, studying in the very vineyards in which he will be working with his father. Frédéric's 20+ years of dedication in the vineyards, coupled with his wine-making experience, result in wines of superb quality and depth.
The Cazalet is a gorgeous blend of 30% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 20% Mourvèdre and 20% Syrah. In the glass the wine is an intense, deep, almost inky purple color. The nose is pristine, featuring a harmonious medley of red and black berry fruit, purple flowers and rocky minerality, underscored by an appetizing herbal component. The palate is full and round — easy-drinking and beautifully balanced — with a soft, silky-smooth mouthfeel that wonderfully frames the complex fruit, herb and mineral flavors as they linger on the tongue during the impressive finish. The Cazalet is delicious on its own for lovers of concentrated, deeply flavored wines, but it really shines with food; this is a brilliant bottle for grilling: I can think of few wines better to drink with beef, pork, poultry and sausages. I will also tell you that this is the best wine in the shop to pair with barbecue, particularly ribs. Frédéric has delivered an absolute home run with this wine, sure to be an all-star all year long!
