2011 Domaine Anne Gros et Tollot Minervois Les Fontanilles

The 2011 Minervois Les Fontanilles (same blend and elevage as the 2012) is a beautifully fruited, open and layered effort that offers plenty of sweet blackberry, spice box and minerality in its medium to full-bodied, balanced profile. It’s more approachable than the 2012 and will drink nicely over the coming 7-9 years. Vosne-Romanee-based Anne Gros and partner Jean-Paul Tollot (of Domaine Tollot-Beaut) fashion serious, structured and age-worthy efforts from their estate located in the northern part of the Minervois. I spent the better part of an afternoon with Anne, touring all of her vineyards, and the terroir here is spectacular, with diverse soil and exposure between each of the sites. The wines have vibrant, if not crunchy, acidity, good concentration and beautifully made profiles that will benefit from short-term cellaring. While I hate to use the term Burgundian here, these efforts certainly have a tension and energetic feel (while not lacking fruit) that’s unique to the region. Importers include United Estates Wine Imports (Connie and Patrick Allen Selections), Worthington, OH; tel. (614) 543-1427; and North Berkeley Wine Imports, Berkeley, CA; tel. (800) 266-6585