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.
Ruby-purple colour with a nose of raspberries, oak spice and a note of lavender. Full and silky on the palate with opulent mid-palate flavours of black fruits and liquorice, pure and pretty — a wine that will last for a decade and longer.
One of few wineries who continues to make a statement with what used to be BC’s most widely planted white vinifera. Forward notes of floral, citrus and orchard fruits precede a palate of red apple and citrus, with a hint of spice, fresh with clean fruit and subtle acidity.
From the gravel-loam soils of Riva Ranch vineyard in Arroyo Seco, Monterey, this Pinot Noir is made of parcels dating back to 1963. Plush and silken on the palate, with waves of subtle smoke, soft black raspberry, cherry and wild raspberries riding fine, slightly powdery tannis. Quite harmonious and round until a hot and cocoa-dusted finish, this would be best with a fire-grilled pork chop.
Clear medium-deep garnet. Forward nose of blueberry jam, seared meat, caramel, a hint of varnish. On the palate there are ripe but tart, fresh-tasting mashed berries with earthy herbal notes. In the tradition of wine from this region, it has plenty of alcohol. Drink now, won’t get better.
A blend of Pinot Blanc, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (like BC's own stalwart sparkler, Steller's Jay), this is an ample, generous waisted wine with baked yellow apple, white peach, pink florals and perfumed lemon, with a fine stream of citrus acidity to carry. A higher dosage of sugar gives this a friendly demeanour, which should appeal to a wider audience.
Fresh and lively with aromas and flavours of melon, mango, guava and gooseberry; crisp mouthfeel and absent of any grassiness. Well-made and a great value. A nice match with poached Arctic char or shellfish.