Lou Coucardié Rouge 2010

The 2010 Costieres de Nimes Chateau de Nages Lou Coucardie is somewhat of an experimental cuvee launched a few years ago by Michel Gassier and his consultant, Philippe Cambie. It is a selection of very old vines and is a blend of 60% Mourvedre, 30% Grenache and 10% Syrah. The wine is aged in small barrels, of which 50% are new. Its black/purple color is accompanied by notes of mint, blueberry and blackberry liqueur, incense, camphor and charcoal. This amazing tour de force should age nicely for 10+ years. Score - 92-94. (Robert Parker Jr., erobertparker.com, Oct. 2011)