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Roussillon: Odd Bottles

As with Languedoc and Provence, I've enjoyed many wines from this region. There are only a few tasting notes here, but there are plenty of producer profiles, links to which can be found on the left-hand side of the page. Click to locate stockists.

La Brugiére Carignan (VdP des Côtes Catalanes) 2005: The first vintage from Brit Trevor Robinson, made from 100% Carignan cuvée harvested in Fenouilledes and vinified with the help of Guy Predal of Domaine Marcevol. A quite dark, purple-red hue in the glass. The nose is just bursting with fruit, in a peppered strawberry and blackberry vein, which is certainly attractive, and is cut through by a high-toned character. At first a little lean on entry, later more rounded and medium bodied, showing a very plain structure, but restrained and rather attractive. Lots of firm acidity, just a little tannin, overall I like its presence on the palate, which has a clean texture but has an appealing challenge and is fine for drinking with food. Short but nicely rounded off finish. A very good effort, especially for the first vintage. 15.5/20 (March 2007)

Domaine Madeloc Collioure 2002: Good youthful colour. Lovely nose, black cherries and bloody meat. Plenty of character on the palate, which is rich with meaty-cherry fruit flavour, combined with moderately lean texture but with a paradoxical weight on the palate. There are nuances of chalk and smoke. But the acidity gives it an elegant edge too. Delicious and even a little finesse here. Drink over the next five to eight years. 17+/20 (December 2004)

Domaine de Rombeau Rivesaltes Vin Doux Naturel 1950: A lovely colour, a coffee-caramel hue cut with a bright red hint. On the nose there are figs, caramel, toffee and hazelnut aromas. Good weight on entry, with medium-full body, and immediately apparent acidity cutting through the oily richness. Nut and toffee flavours mirroring the nose. On the finish, the acidity becomes a little more prominent, freshening the palate, and there are even some peppery tannins. Good integration of alcohol. Very pleasing indeed. 16.5/20 (January 2003)

Vignerons Catalans Rivesaltes Ambre Hors D'Age Vin Doux Naturel 1974: A blend of Grenache Blanc and Maccabeu. A deep, burnt amber hue. On the nose, fairly typical nuts and raisins aromas, with a hint of rancio related to extended wood ageing. Full bodied on the palate, with a similar flavour profile to the nose, together with dried fruits and figs. Quite obvious alcohol on the endpalate and finish. 13/20 (September 2000)