Magnum Nuit Grave 2015 Mas des Chimères | Languedoc

Mas des Chimères ' Nuit Grave is one of the wine estate's most accomplished cuvées, a deep reflection of the tormented landscapes of the Terrasses du Larzac. On the red and black soils of this remote corner of the Languedoc, Guilhem Dardé raises his wines with rare rigor. Nuit Grave is a rigorous selection of the oldest Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache vines, planted on ruff and basalt soils, where volcanic rock regulates the excesses of the Mediterranean climate. Winemaking is based on de-stemmed bunches, with long maceration in concrete vats, followed by 12 months ageing in old barrels, without new wood, to preserve the integrity of the fruit and the minerality of the terroir.

Philippe Mischler, sommelier at Mundovin : Nuit Grave embodies the most structured side of Languedoc reds, without denying the elegance typical of Terrasses du Larzac. The blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan and Grenache gives a subtle yet powerful expression of the Mas des Chimères personality. It impresses with its density, its grain of tannin, and that impression of shadow and freshness found only in great, well-born southern reds. There's substance, but also a remarkable balance for this region.

The wine reveals a powerful initial nose of cooked black cherry and plum, mingled with notes of bitter cocoa. On aeration, roasted coffee and tobacco accents complete this warm bouquet. The whole is rich, suave and sunny, true to the personality of this vintage.

On the palate, the attack is pulpy and generous, dominated by black fruits and toasted spices. The tannins are ripe and well blended, imparting a silky touch. The finish remains long, sustained by a balancing freshness reminiscent of the Terrasses du Larzac terroir.