2012 Coteaux du Languedoc Prestige Rouge

The inexpensive 2012 Prestige Coteaux du Languedoc is a blend of 55% Grenache (60-75-year-old vines) and 45% Syrah (40-year-old vines) aged 12 months in concrete. It is a disarmingly juicy, complex, full-bodied, dark ruby/purple-colored effort displaying a sweet kiss of lavender, acacia flowers, pepper, black raspberries and kirsch. Round, generous and medium to full-bodied with elegance as well as flavor authority, this pure, beautifully textured 2012 should continue to drink well for another 3-5 years. This superb estate is owned by Gerard Bru, who has hired some of the finest winemakers in the world as consultants (Michel Rolland, Claude Gros and now Philippe Cambie). Bru makes a number of cuvees (some too expensive for this value report) including two terrific rose offerings. Importer: European Cellars, Eric Solomon, Charlotte, NC; tel. (704) 358-1565 ; www.europeancellars.com