One of those weird, unheard-of wines

This is mostly Syrah, with a few percent Marsanne and Roussanne, from the South-West of France. The region is better known for Banyuls.

Collioure ‘Junquets’ 1999, Domaine du Mas Blanc

The nose is driven by dark, brooding fruit. It is also quite earthy. The nose reminds me very much of Hermitage. It is surprisingly complex. The palate has some noticeable tannin, but is very fruity. The finish is a bit dry, but it is very long and the fruit persists. It is reasonably complex with plenty of interesting fruit and soil flavours. Not a remarkably fine wine, but it is very good and slips down a treat. It would age really well, I think.