- 91 points -

The 2018 La Clape La Cote is loaded with sexy raspberry fruit, spiced up with hints of green peppercorn, pomegranate and orange zest. A tank-aged blend of Carignan, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre, it's medium-bodied and very drinkable despite weighing in at 14.5% alcohol. The tannins are ripe and silky, adding just the right amount of texture to this fluid, easy-drinking red. Drink it over the next few years.

This estate in the La Clape appellation has made a huge reputation as one of the top red wine producers in the Languedoc, crafting massive yet balanced and even somewhat elegant wines from the region's classic grape varieties. The Paux-Rosset family, with help from consultant Claude Gros, consistently makes terrific wine, with the big mystery being how so many of the descriptors can add up to something that sounds like dessert, yet the wines come across as savory and easy to drink. If I knew how they were able to do it, I'd start my own consulting business. Instead, I'm just left to enjoy and marvel at their results. Don't overlook the affiliated properties, listed separately: Clos des Truffiers, Château la Vernède (including a 2019 red made without added sulfites), and Domaine de Boède.

- 90 points -

The 2018 La Cote comes all from the beautiful La Clape region of the Languedoc and is a mix of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, and Mourvèdre raised in equal parts oak tanks and concrete. This juicy, lively beauty offers lots of cassis and black raspberry fruit as well notes of truffle, olive tapenade, and peppery, herbes de Provence-like nuances. It’s medium-bodied, elegant, and juicy on the palate, with terrific purity.

- 90 points -

The 2018 La Cote comes all from the beautiful La Clape region of the Languedoc and is a mix of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, and Mourvèdre raised in equal parts oak tanks and concrete. This juicy, lively beauty offers lots of cassis and black raspberry fruit as well notes of truffle, olive tapenade, and peppery, herbes de Provence-like nuances. It’s medium-bodied, elegant, and juicy on the palate, with terrific purity.

- 90 points -

The 2018 La Cote comes all from the beautiful La Clape region of the Languedoc and is a mix of Syrah, Carignan, Grenache, and Mourvèdre raised in equal parts oak tanks and concrete. This juicy, lively beauty offers lots of cassis and black raspberry fruit as well notes of truffle, olive tapenade, and peppery, herbes de Provence-like nuances. It’s medium-bodied, elegant, and juicy on the palate, with terrific purity.

- 88 points -

Refreshing brambly fruit notes are underscored with meaty elements and white pepper details and backed by a tangy acidity. Wild herb and mineral details linger through the moderately tannic finish. Carignan, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Syrah. Drink now through 2024. 40,000 cases made, 750 cases imported. — GS

Le Château de la Négly est situé près de Narbonne, au cœur du massif de la Clape, l’un des endroits les plus qualitatifs du Languedoc. La composition du sol (limons sableux issus d’éboulis calcaires très poreux) permet de constituer une réserve vitale pour les vignes alors que la proximité de la Méditerranée offre au vignoble une influence maritime qui vient tempérer le climat. Dominé par le carignan auquel s’ajoutent syrah et mourvèdre, c’est un rouge riche et corpulent qui surprend par sa trame veloutée et son acidité fine. Malgré ses presque 15 % d’alcool, le vin se laisse boire assez facilement.