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Domaine Borie de Maurel

Borie de Maurel is one of the leading domaines in Minervois, and in particular the new Minervois cru La Liviniere. Its proprietor, Michel Escande, has taken on the presidency of the sub-appellation, located in the northwest of Minervois, and he leads a group of over twenty winemakers committed to producing wines of quality. It is no surprise that Escande has taken on such a leading role in the development of the Minervois; it is reported he started making wine at the age of twelve! His own property comprises 11 hectares inherited from his father, together with a further 17 hectares Escande has since purchased.

There are a number of red cuvées produced here, some of very high quality indeed, as well as both white and rosé wines. The entry level Borie de Maurel red is the Esprit d'Automne, which is a heart-warming wine based on Carignan with a little Syrah. There is an excellent Carignan cuvée called Reve de Carignan, and top of the tree is the Syrah (with a little Grenache) flagship Cuvée Sylla, first produced in 1992. In general the reds tend towards a lushly textured, voluptuous style, although not without the necessary structure to balance it out. The white Minervois produced is a Marsanne-Rousanne blend, and there is even a vin de paille made here. (28/6/04)

Contact details:
Address: 34120 Félines-Minervois
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 68 91 68 58
Fax: +33 (0) 4 68 91 63 92
Internet: www.boriedemaurel.fr

Domaine Borie de Maurel - Tasting Notes

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2001

Domaine Borie de Maurel Minervois Cuvée Sylla 2001: Another deep, red-black hue. Intense, super-ripe, smoky red and black berry fruit on the nose, with the richness of a buttery crumble covered in cream. Notes of burnt Morello cherries, smouldering embers and soot provide plenty of interest. There is freshness on the palate, despite an incredible intensity of black berry flavours and a brawny, masculine structure of firm, sooty tannins. Draped over this is a voluptuous texture. Great concentration. Needs two to three years in the cellar at least. 17.5+/20 (June 2004) Label

Domaine Borie de Maurel Minervois 'Reve de Carignan' 2001: A deep, opaque, red-black hue. A huge depth of lush berry and cherry fruit on the nose, with notes of liquorice, tar and burnt garrigue. A wealth of liquorice coated fruit on the palate, with plenty of texture, all draped over a masculine structure of firm, grippy tannins and some extract. But there is balance too, a surprising finesse, and some complex notes alongside. This has potential for the cellar; keep two to three years. 16.5+/20 (June 2004) Label