2020 Château de L'Ou "Secret de Schistes" Syrah Côtes Catalanes

Smells like red apples, polished church pews and walnuts. Violin-string tension, tangy, a little more chisel and groove and tactile bitterness than the classic L'Ou cuvée. Muscle and velvet. But despite the defining structural elements, the fruit explodes in the mouth - generous, wanting to share, spilling purple and deep blue and violets. The kind of wine you want to lick out the glass. 17/20 points (TC)

We work with several producers in the Roussillon. They each bring something special to the table but one of our stars in that side of our direct import portfolio remains the spirited and talented Severine Bourrier of Chateau de L'Ou. It was here 2015 Secret de Schistes that first turned my head and blew out the door when it landed. It didn't hurt that her style of winemaking and the quality of old vine fruit coming from a craggly brown schist vineyard evoked memories of the wines of Manfred Krankl. And for a fraction of the price. Though Severine's wines are bold, they always have a finesse and elegance that balance the rich and expressive flavors. As always, this is 100% Syrah showing a nose of blackberry, licorice, baking spices, sassafras and roasted meats. As they age, they feel like top-tier Hermitage. Again at a fraction of the price. Yet another release from Severing that continues to prove how important a core producer that she and her L'Ou wines have become to us. Not to be missed!