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.
Joe Czerwinski, June 2020