Gérard Bertrand - Château L'Hospitalet Grand Vin 2017

Gérard Bertrand - Château L'Hospitalet Grand Vin 2017 (90 TSW)

Jazzy music – on ?
Sun on my head – ?
Languedoc blend - poured ?

When there is no Jazz Festival at @chateaulhospitalet this year then we have to get into that jazzy mood ourselves. All ingredients are ready to get in the #WineFoodMusic vibes.

Former French Rugby Union player Gérard Bertrand is one of the most outstanding winemakers in the South of France. A biodynamic pioneer he owns numerous estates among the most prestigious crus of Languedoc-Roussillon. Named in 2012 as the International Wine Challenge (IWC) Red Winemaker of the Year and Wine Enthusiast's European Winery of the Year, he is known locally as the "King" of the Languedoc and the quality and diversity of the wines he produces is stunning.

Château l’Hospitalet is situated in AOP La Clape, among 1,000 hectares of garrigue, it benefits from an exceptional terroir. The wines are imbued with freshness from sea breezes, mineral depth and texture from the limestone soils and warm southern climate generosity. The vines are cultivated organically and biodynamically.

A blend of Syrah (60%) Grenache (30%) and Mourvèdre (10%), only the highest quality fruit is used in this cuvée. Each variety was vinified separately and at the end of winter, the wines were racked to new 225 litre casks where they spent 12 to 16 months, with fine bâtonnage from time to time. Only the best barrels were selected and blended to make the final wine.

My tasting notes: 

In the glass a intense deep purple color.
On the medium+ nose aromas of ripe blackberries, raspberries and cherries with hints of figs, cloves, cinnamon, smoked notes and a spicy touch.
On the palate medium++ bodied with medium+ acidity and well integrated tannins. Velvet and round in the mouth with good structure and balance. Flavours are a recall of the nose with chocolate, vanilla, coffee and spices. Nice long layered final.