Tardieu Laurent Minervois Les Causses 1999

Tardieu Laurent Minervois Les Causses 1999: As one might expect from Tardieu Laurent, a dark, almost opaque, deep deep red colour, concentrated up to the rim. Its hue shows a few years of age but nothing premature. Full throttle berry fruit on the nose, mixed with some slightly toasty oak, and after a while some appealing rubbery scents, probably Syrah-derived. Textured, concentrated and yet svelte on entry, with ripe, succulent tannins swimming beneath an unctuous layer of fruit, and low acidity. A soft, opulent finish. Very much in the house style, and a real crowd-pleaser I'm sure. Drink now. 15/20 (7/6/04)