Châteaux Maris 2017 in the top of Wine Advocate
“As I wrote last year, there’s no reason to hold onto any antiquated notions of Languedoc wine quality. Or, indeed, of pricing. The best wines are increasingly priced according to the market and perceived value by the producers. For the most part, serious wine lovers can focus on the region’s five crus: Corbières-Boutenac, La Clape, Minervois La Livinière, Pic Saint Loup and Terrasses du Larzac.” Wine Advocate
LES AMANDIERS 2017 – 92/95 POINTS
The Syrah-dominated 2017 Minervois la Livinière les Amandiers remains substantially marked by its stay in new oak, showing off some dusty cedar notes and lashings of vanilla. There’s ample blueberry fruit, hints of black olives and a plush mouthfeel leading into a long, velvety finish. For modernists looking for a rich, full-bodied red, this has it all.
LES ANCIENS 2017 – 91/93 POINTS
The old-vine Carignan 2017 Minervois la Livinière les Anciens seems ripe and more supple than the 2016 was at this time last year. It’s still a vibrant, youthful wine, but it shows more purple raspberry fruit and less peppery green. Medium to full-bodied, with silky tannins and crisp acids, it finishes long and tongue-tingling.
LES PLANELS 2017 – 89/91 POINTS
Full-bodied and densely concentrated, the 2017 Minervois La Livinière Les Planels can come across as being too much of a good thing. Vanilla accents notions of fruitcake and plum pudding, as this Syrah-Grenache blend combines fruity and savory elements into a complex, dark-fruited wine that deserves a couple of years in the cellar to sort itself out.
LAS COMBES 2017 – 90 POINTS
The Grenache-dominated 2017 Minervois Las Combes is bright, fresh and fruity, with almost candied cherry, pomegranate and even tangerine notes accented by Christmas spices and garrigue. This medium-bodied beauty should be a delight to drink over the next few years.
LA TOUGE – 88/90 POINTS
The 2017 Minervois la Livinière La Touge is an approachable, medium-bodied blend of 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache. It’s more red-fruited and friendly than the other Maris wines in 2017, showcasing silky tannins and mixed cherries and blueberries, without any obvious oak influence.