Chateau de Tholomies La Chapelle Minervois La Liviniere 2018

Chateau de Tholomies "La Chapelle", Minervois La Liviniere, Languedoc, France, 2018

Grapes: A blend of 46% Shiraz, 36% Grenache, 18% Carignan, 61ha estate (49ha of organic vineyards), clay/limestone soil, 15 year average age of vines, 12 months in French oak barrels

Producer Tasting Note:

Deep red-purple colour and intense, complex aromas reminiscent of vanilla, morello cherry and prune with notes of black olive tapenade and black pepper.  In the mouth, the wine is rich and generous, with smooth concentrated black fruit flavours, mature tannins and notes of roasted coffee and dry fig.

This exceptional organic wine, in a heavyweight bottle which  matches the powerful fruit flavours of the wine. It comes from the highly-regarded Cru of La Liviniere in the Minervois. Located 30 km from Carcassonne, the domain is nestled in the foothills of the Montagne Noire and was purchased by Les Grands Chais De France in 2011.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

Awarded OR (GOLD MEDAL), Concours Des Vins ‘Terre de Vins’, 2021 [For 2018]

"Dark spiced fruit compote layered with black pepper; lush and intense with lovely ripe tannins and a rich finish."

90/100 points, DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS, 2020 [For 2017]

"Behind a dark and deep colour emerge refined and complex aromas combining black fruits, truffles, garrigue and, floating above, a slightly toasted veil. Notes of undergrowth stretch this palette a little more in a plush mouthfeel, both soft and rich, very fragrant, which is based on beautiful firm tannins coated by a timely ageing. A full-bodied, well-constructed red with solid ageing potential."

2 Stars (out of 3) - Remarkable Wine, LE GUIDE HACHETTE DE VINS, 2021 [For 2017]

Also awarded GOLD at the Berlin Wine Trophy and Concours General Agricole Paris and numerous GOLDS for the 2020 & 2021 vintages

Food Match: The is a big, bold and impressive red to enjoy with roasted meats, game or strong cheeses.  With a great aging potential, this wine can also be enjoyed now.