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Mas Baux

Serge and Marie-Pierre Baux purchased this estate, which was gradually falling into disrepair, the vineyards slowly yielding to the advancing garrigue, in 1997. This was no small undertaking; not only did many of the vineyards need replanting, save for a patch of ageing Grenache Noir, the cellar also required an extensive renovation. Despite the task at hand, by 1999 Mas Baux saw its first harvest under its new ownership.

Mas Baux The estate now includes 20 hectares of land between Perpignan and Canet, of which 12 hectares is planted to vines. Like many estates in this locale, the hillsides are terraced, and the soils are dry and pebbly. Alongside the original Grenache Serge has planted predominantly Mourvèdre, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as well as a few other favoured varieties, which he tends along organic lines, ploughing between rows and hoeing between vines to remove weeds, without fertiliser or other chemicals. He harvests manually at low yields, typically less than 35 hl/ha, and the fruit passes over a sorting table as it enters the winery. The resulting array of wines are, based on this tasting, of very high quality.

At the top of the Mas Baux portfolio is the Soleil Rouge, a Côtes du Roussillon cuvée made from equal amounts of Syrah and Mourvèdre, with complimentary Grenache. This sees a year or more in oak, which differentiates it from the two red vin de pays wines, both Côtes Catalanes, Velours Rouge and Rouge Baux. The former is old-vine Grenache blended with Syrah, the latter, young Grenache with Cabernet, all harvested at low yields. There are also the Baux Blond dry Muscat, the rosé Rouge à Lèvres and two sweet wines, the Vieil Original Muscat de Rivesaltes and a traditional aged Rivesaltes cuvée, Grains de Beauté. All were of merit when recently tasted, but it was the rich, Mourvèdre-infused style of the two vintages of Soleil Rouge that I found most pleasurable. These were of high quality indeed. Overall though, this is an impressive selection of wines, and considering Serge Baux started from scratch in the last decade, and has a lot of young vines, he is turning out a marvellous collection. (25/7/06)

Contact details:
Address: Chemin Mas Durand, 66140 Canet en Roussillon
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 68 80 25 04
Fax: +33 (0) 6 68 80 25 04
Internet: www.mas-baux.com

Mas Baux - Tasting Notes

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2004

Mas Baux VdP des Côtes Catalanes Muscat sec Baux Blond 2004: Elevage sur lie, in small 15 hl tanks for three months before bottling, with batonnage two to three times per week. A beautiful nose, rather elegant and mineral. The palate presents a very firm interpretation of Muscat, rather grippy and mineral, with no shortage of style. This is very good indeed; more structured and mineral, less blowsy perfume, than many other dry Muscats I have tasted. 17/20 (October 2005)

Mas Baux VdP des Côtes Catalanes Rouge à Lèvres Rosé 2004: This is 65% Syrah, 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, harvested at 45 hl/ha. The name is a little confusing; to clarify, this is a rosé. A more elegant colour here, more delicate than some of the shocking electric pink wines on offer from this region. Good leafy red fruit on the nose. Fresh, light red fruit profile, dry with a nice, grippy structure. Two unexpectedly good wines in a row. 16.5/20 (October 2005)

2003

Mas Baux VdP des Côtes Catalanes Velours Rouge 2003: This is 60% Grenache, 40% Syrah, harvested at 24 and 31 hl/ha respectively. It sees no wood at any point. A lovely depth of fruit, especially for a Grenache dominated blend, on the nose. Very clean style on the palate, with glossy fruit and a low level of ripe tannin. This has very good style, with nice underpinning but gentle structure through to the finish. For early drinking. 16/20 (October 2005)

Mas Baux VdP des Côtes Catalanes Rouge Baux 2003: This is 50% Grenache, 50% Syrah, harvested at 24 and 38 hl/ha respectively, macerated for 26 days. A deep and glossy hue. A blend of young Cabernet blackcurrant and cherries on the nose. Medium bodied, but with fine, deep, plush fruit with firm, slightly muscular tannins beneath. Very good, approachable now, but needs at least two to three years in bottle to show its best. 16.5+/20 (October 2005)

Mas Baux Côtes du Roussillon Soleil Rouge 2003: A blend exactly as above, but aged for fourteen months in oak. All varieties harvested at 31 hl/ha or less. Recognisably 2003 on the nose, which displays a super ripe fruit profile incorporating blueberries and other dark fruits. Full, creamy, appealing style on the palate, meaty and furry, belying the presence of Mourvèdre. Surprisingly good acidity too, despite the heat of the vintage, lending the wine a fresh style with even a little finesse about it. Lovely stuff. Drink now, or cellar short-term. 17+/20 (October 2005)

2002

Mas Baux Côtes du Roussillon Soleil Rouge 2002: A blend of 45% Syrah, 45% Mourvèdre and 10% Grenache. One year in oak. This is evident on the nose, which shows a layer of smoky oak over some deep, cherry fruit. Full, creamy, seamless and quite smooth fruit sensation on the palate, presented in a beautifully structured frame. A great depth of cherry fruit mixed with meaty, furry, mouthfilling Mourvèdre character. Just lovely. Will do well in the cellar, although it's almost irresistible now. 17.5+/20 (October 2005)

2000

Mas Baux Muscat de Rivesaltes Vieil Original 2000: Muscat d'Alexandrie harvested at just 10 hl/ha, fermentation terminated with mutage, then five years in barrel. A rich golden hue, toffee and barley sugar intertwined on the nose. Full palate, delightfully fresh and refined, with flavours of baked fruits dressed with a caramel, toffee edge. Firm, rather grippy, certainly very well structured. This is really nice. Good for current drinking, but will probably last for years in the cellar. 17/20 (October 2005)

Mas Baux Rivesaltes Tuilé Hors d'Age Grains de Beauté 2000: This is 100% Grenache Noir, harvested at just 20 hl/ha, again mutage resulting in 18º ABV. After barrel ageing, the eventual yield is 12 hl/ha. A captivating red-golden hue, with a nose of earth, honey and raisins. Very stylish palate, elegance, sweet and full flavoured. Rich, yet balanced and showing some finesse. This is lovely. As above, good for current drinking, but will probably last for years in the cellar. 17/20 (October 2005)