Les Derniers Cépages (the last/latest varieties) is a unique blend of two late-ripening red grape varieties, Mourvedre and Petit Verdot. In the Languedoc, Mourvedre is known to be the last variety to bud and ripen, as Petit Verdot is in Bordeaux. In fact in Bordeaux many producers have abandoned Petit Verdot because it only fully ripens in the warmest vintages. Both these varieties are enjoying something of a resurgence in warmer growing areas like the Languedoc and the excellent climate conditions during the 2009 vintage produced clean, concentrated, high-quality fruit.Colour: Deep opaque purple/black
Nose: Ripe black cherry notes with hints of rosemary and liquorice.
Palate: Jammy, wild raspberry and spicy, black fruit flavours. Good structure with soft tannins and a long, generous finish.
Drink: Now until 2015
Available vintages: 2010
What the critics say
Decanter World Wine Awards-Bronze Medal, 2011 International Wine Challenge-Bronze Medal, 2011Toasty oak nose with red fruit. Youthful, vigorous, crunchy black fruit with firm tannins and chewy acidity.
Fiona Beckett, The Guardian, 28th May, 2011My Favorite Red- Mourvedre: In the smokier style, there's the dark, sultry Les Derniers Cepages 2010, which is an unusual blend of late-ripening petit verdot and mourvedre; I'd dish up a lamb tagine with this one!
John Wilson, The Irish Times, April 2nd, 2011.A very unusual blend of Petit Verdot and Mourvedre that works perfectly. Concentrated dark cherry and liquorice fruits, impeccably balanced and long in the mouth, this appealing wine is very keenly priced.
Andrew Jefford(of Decanter), January 2011.An intriguing blend of Mourvedre and Petit Verdot . Had great tannins...
Jane MacQuitty, The Times, 11th December, 2010Starry, 14 per cent winter red from two late-harvested varieties, oozing vibrant, spicy, red fruit flavours.- Star Christmas Buy
Jancis Robinson, Purplepages, September, 2010Charming red fruit and dark chocolate on the nose; juicy and forthright on the palate with a generous dose of French oak influence and grainy tannins. Sweet and savoury; good stuff.
