Southern Rhône, France
Grignan-les-Adhémar
Laurent Clapier took over his family's farm in 1999, which spanned more than 70ha of mixed use crops. Right away, the decision to farm organically was clear, for which he was certified in 2004. The following year Mas Théo was born. Immediately, Laurent began to think about biodynamic practices and hasn't looked back since. He realized there was more energy and life in the vineyards and has gone on to receive full Demeter certification in 2011. Another interesting caveat, Laurent took over an old quarry cave called 'Les Caves Cathedrales', located in the village of Saint-Restitut, where his cellar is dug into thick, chalky rock - the basis for what is essentially the perfect aging environment.
A mix of 90% Syrah, 7% Grenache and 3% Mourvèdre, coming from vines between 25-40 years of age. This spends a year in oak barrels and then another 2 years in bottle before release. This has a rich and powerful nose with ripe blackberry, intense cassis, sweet cherry, a lightly floral characteristic of violets and snappy licorice too. There's leather, earth, fennel, cedar and black pepper complexity waiting in the wings too, as the wine continues to develop in the glass. Full-bodied power balanced by an elegant tannic structure lends tension and a lush mouth-coating sensation.
Drinking window: 2022-2030. Service: cellar temperature and standard red wine glass.
Pair with spicy dishes, lamb tagine, wild mushroom risotto, grilled game meats