The vintage

In the spring, contrasting, predominantly humid weather conditions, and ensuant cryptogamic pressures, rekindle still fresh memories, feeding the concerns of conscious Vignerons. The threatening shadow of 2018 hangs over the heads… A fear exacerbated by the prospect of a bountiful harvest, an aggravating factor in this circumstance… In hindsight, these rather substantial spring rains will prove to be beneficial, contributing to the replenishment of water reserves.
Indeed, a terribly dry summer period will follow this rather wet start of the year. Dry once again. Once more. Bitter observation : 2020 is the third year in a row to suffer so badly from harsh drought… Fortunately, the nights are cool. As a result, the few “mean” rains granted by Mother Nature become “life-saving” blessings. The vines survive, adapt… And this is relevant to epigenetics, according to the learned term used by one of our Confreres…
However, as the harvest approaches, while “technological maturity” soars, the actual phenolic maturity remains at a standstill… This phenomenon chiefly affects early sectors, young vines, and substantially loaded vines : at the dawn of the harvest, Vignerons are thus facing a “Cornelian dilemma”…
Uncommon occurrence, the wisest of the Vignerons, they who take the risk of awaiting the famous “equinoctial rains”, will not necessarily benefit from their fortitude. One could therefore state that, in 2020, Virtue was not rewarded. One exception to confirm the Rule... Yet, hard, extremely hard finding for a year that proves to be exceptional in its own special way… Only the Very Old Vines, meticulously worked, meet the expectations of the most demanding Vignerons. At the cost of low to extremely low yields... Nevertheless, by the grace of their deep roots, once again, the Very Old Vines recall that they are the key to success, in an odd Vintage too !

Terroir

Big rounded pebbles from Lirac et Synar-gues, Roaix, Visan, Plan de Dieu

Type of soil

Round pebbles.

Ageing

Ageing 10 months in concrete tanks.

Vinification

100% destemmed

Serving

14°C

Tasting

Very detached Style, no artifice. Lush Cuvée with a pure fruit…

Alcohol content

14,5%

Bottling

Without fining and filtration.

Cépages

Syrah : 70 %
Grenache : 30 %

A year-in, year-out smoking value, the 2020 Côtes du Rhône Les Becs Fins offers a vivid purple hue as well as a great, classic Côtes du Rhône nose of peppery black cherry and framboise fruits, garrigue, spice box, licorice, and even a hint of violets. Soft, medium-bodied, fruit-driven, yet wonderfully pure and far from a simple red, it's going to put a smile on your face over the coming 3-5 years.

Jeb Dunnuck , 91/100 , 2021-08-11

Vibrant, with violet, cassis and plum notes laced with a note of lavender. Modest in scale, but thoroughly enticing from start to finish.

Wine Spectator , 90/100 , 2020-11-30

Fruity nose of cassis, blackcurrant, brioche and raisins. It’s full-bodied with fluid tannins. Ripe and juicy with a fruity finish. Drink now.

James Suckling , 90/100 , 2021-07-05

Wine Enthusiast , 90/100