Description

Anne Gros and Jean Paul Tollot, both fifth-generation winemakers in their respective domaines in Vosne-Romanée and Chorey-les-Beaune in Burgundy, joined their expertise in 2008 to create the Terroirs de Cazelles in the Haut Minervois area of the Languedoc.  The influence is obvious as the style of wines emphasize acidity and freshness more so than many other producers from the warmer, sunny region of  Languedoc.

Cazelles is a tiny hamlet at  220 meters which is a high elevation for Minervois.  The domaine is comprised of 15 hectares / 37 acres distributed among 6 vineyards, of which 5 have been baptized as L’O de La Vie, Les Combettes, Les Fontanilles, La Ciaude, and Les Carrétals. Each cuvee is coming from AOC Minervois classification.

Les Carrétals is a very special high elevation 1.07 hectare vineyard planted in 1909 to mostly Carignan and Grenache on pure limestone.

“a universally great vintage across the region and is certainly one of the finest in the past decade….in my experience Minervois produces some of the most voluptuous, sexy and perfumed wines of the Languedoc. This could be due its warmer climate and mostly south-facing terroirs. Top producers here include Domaine Anne Gros (this estate is in the higher elevation, northern Cazelles region, which I suspect will be another cru soon)” – Wine Advocate regarding 2015 vintage in the Languedoc.

“My favorite in the lineup is the 2015 Minervois les Carretals and it’s blend of very old vine Carignan (planted in 1909) and Grenache that was destemmed and aged 14 months in barrel. This beauty gives up notes of cassis, singed leather, crushed rocks and liquid violets. Rich, full-bodied, beautifully polished and layered, it has a great mid-palate and is one seriously good red. Give bottles a year and drink through 2024.” – 94 Points – Wine Advocate