2013 Mas de Daumas Gassac

30% Viognier (origin of the vines: Georges Vernay – Condrieu), 25% Chardonnay, 20% Petit Manseng (origin of the vines: Charles Hours – Béarn), 10% Chenin Blanc (origin of the vines: Domaine Huet – Vouvray), 15% rare varieties (Marsanne, Roussanne, Petit Courbu, Muscat Blanc à Petits Grains, Muscat d’Alexandrie, Gros Manseng, Sémillon, Fiano). Aged for 4 months in stainless-steel tank. A bit oxidised on the nose. Fruit is drying out on the palate. But there is some juicy fruit left. Drink up! (JR)

The 2013 IGP Saint Guilhem le Desert features leafy, cassis and black cherry notes. Predominantly (70% to 80%) Cabernet Sauvignon, it's medium to full-bodied and silky in texture, with lingering hints of vanilla and tobacco on the finish. Potent and concentrated, it should drink well through at least 2025.

72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5.4% Merlot, 5.3% Tannat, 3.8% Cabernet Franc, 2.5% Malbec, 2% Pinot Noir, 9% rare varieties. 2013 was the latest picked vintage at Mas de Daumas Gassac with the last of the Cabernets picked in October. Mid crimson. Lively and scented and not yet closed down, it seems. Then on the palate it is flatter and almost flattened, closing down perhaps but with paper-fine compact texture. Needs time but has fine freshness on the finish. (JH)