Puech Haut Prestige Rouge, Château Puech-Haut 2021

Back with a bang this year, this is a very fine rendition of this trustworthy and good value Languedoc blend. Syrah, Grenache and Carignan combine in this succulent, immediate and smooth red. Mid-deep ruby in the colour, the 2021 is ripe but fragrant on the nose, certainly not excessive or heavy. Violets, bramble fruits, and roasted plums come through. The palate is silky smooth and ready to drink, the supple tannins melting into intense and ripe fruit. The vintage gives red as well as black fruit, with a brightness and lift not always accessible this far south in France. A moreish, very well-made wine, this will offer real drinking pleasure over the coming 2-3 years.

Leading off the reds, the 2021 Languedoc Prestige is 60% Syrah, 30% Grenache, and the rest Carignan, all aged a year in barrel. It has an up-front, fruit-driven perfume of mulberries, black raspberries, peppery herbs, and spicy, sandalwood, floral nuances. With medium-bodied richness, a lively, elegant mouthfeel, and both ripe tannins and nicely integrated acidity, this charming, impeccably made Languedoc will put a smile on your face any time over the coming 4-5 years, if not longer. It shows the more challenging nature of the vintage, but this is rock solid and well worth drinking.