The 30-ha Domaine de Majas is located to the west of the Roussillon in the village of Caudies de Fenouillèdes. Fully biodynamic since 2007, with Domaine Matassa's Tom Lubbe as consultant. Organic Rolle, Macabeu and Carignan Blanc vines are planted on clay-limestone soil at an altitude of 350-400 m above sea level; they are fermented wild and see just a shadow of sulphur. Salted almonds and hazelnuts glide along a sizeable slick of herbal lees, lifted by a crystalline citrus. White peach, green fig, dried thyme, medicinal-hued white cherry appear on the medium body before mineral salts linger on the finish. Exactly what you want to drink right now with grilled anchovies or white wine and garlic mussels.
An exemplary rosé from a region that specializes in it. Very pale pink in colour, it shows an inviting fruity nose, a cocktail of small berries. Beautiful on the palate; light, balanced, fresh and fruity; simply delicious. Good persistence to match. Always a good choice and especially successful in 2015.
An unusual blend of 60% Pinot Meunier, 30% Chardonnay and 10% Pinot Noir. Pale straw in colour with a minerally, apple, brioche nose; fresh and lively on the palate with great length and just a touch of bitterness on the finish to give character.
Limoux Appellation laws changed in 2003 to permit Pinot Noir. This one is an intriguing blend of Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc together with 15% Pinot Noir. Very light rose-coloured, it offers enticing red berry scents with aromas of creamy brioche. Delicate red berry-fruit flavours come in a soft, creamy palate with lovely persistent mousse and refreshing, but harmonious, acidity.
Pale straw colour with a nose of white blossoms and apples and a thread of minerality; medium-bodied, crisply dry, beautifully balanced and elegant, with great length.
Pale yellow. Very expressive nose, perfumed with flowery notes and racy minerality. Oak is revealed through toasted bread notes, less obtrusive than the usual vanilla or buttery notes found in oaked white wines. Powerful in its own way on the palate, with assertive acidity, complex taste and a lengthy finish. Keep 10 years.
Special Club (Club Trésors) is an invite-only group of 28 grower Champagne vignerons, recognized for the quality of their wines. A Special Club Champagne is different from their other cuvées, can only be made in outstanding vintage years, and is packaged in the special distinctive bottle. Based in the Côte des Blancs, this producer is known for its pristine and focused Chardonnay, sourced from grand and 1er cru vineyards (some 80+ years old) in Cramant, Chouilly Mont Aigu, and their home village of Cuis. With 7 years on the lees (this was disgorged July 23, 2015), the breadth on the palate is foremost, though easily and seamlessly woven with the crystalline Chardonnay. Broken stones, subtle herbs and spiced pastry are brightened with lemon blossoms and driving pith. Very finessed, more ample than their other wines; showing great depth and length at this stage, but will continue to be cellar-worthy.