Michel Gassier Lou Coucardie Rouge 2012

In the northern Vaucluse, on the right bank of the Rhone river lies the village of Visan where the legendary mistral winds of Provence sweep over the vines. The Latin name for these north-northwest winds is CERCIUS, the defining feature and raison d'etre for partners Michel Gassier, Philippe Cambie and Eric Solomon to launch this new project. Between the brisk winds and an elevation of 400 meters, the grapes' freshness is protected and then preserved during vinification in concrete tanks.

Winemaker Notes ...This blend's dark colour, almost black, announces a wine of great concentration. Powerful and extremely complex on the nose, it displays a wide array of aromas such as dark berries, spices, eucalyptus and vanilla welded in great harmony. Rich and velvety, without being heavy, this wine pulls its finish in an aerial display of fresh fruits and ripe tannins.

93 Points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate ... More ripe and decadent than the 2013, the 2012 Costieres de Nimes Lou Coucardie (49% Mourvedre, 35% Grenache and the balance Syrah) is a big, mouth-filling effort that gives up loads of chewy black raspberry, black currants, smoked earth and pepper. Full-bodied, concentrated and dense, yet still showing elegance and purity, it has some rustic tannin that needs a year or two to integrate and will be at its best from 2016-2024.