2015 Jeff Carrel "Les Darons" Languedoc

Professional Reviews

Staff Reviews

KM

Keith Mabry

Keith Mabry

K&L Buyer

The 2014 Jeff Carrel was a smashing success for us. The only limit to how much we could sell was based on what the importer had. When they ran out, we quickly did too. I can say without a doubt the 2015 offers the same open knit fruit and lush body with the precise structure to keep it all focused. For my money, it's even better. Full of brambly blackberry and boysenberry fruit, supple tannins, a hint of garrigue and dusty minerality, this wine goes on and on. This is everything one could hope for in a southern French red and all for under $12. Like last vintage, we'll be limited by the supply. Based on the quality, we'll be sold out in half the time as the 2014.

JM

John Majeski

John Majeski

All the brilliant sunlight, exuberant charms and timeless character of the Languedoc can be found in their powerfully fragrant and lusty wines, and winemaker Jeff Carrel embottled these essential truths in this joyful, juicy everyday red. Supple, full-bodied and bursting with unabashed flavors of black fruits, rockrose and red cherries, polished by soft tannin and a tang of acidity, this versatile, delicious wine will grace many a table throughout the holidays and beyond. A good reason at last to celebrate!

Notes

Parisian Jeff Carrel was looking to make wines and found his way to the south of France where he has achieved some great status as a roving winemaker. Often partnering with importer Dan Kravitz of Hand Picked Selections (the importer of this wine), Jeff put together the delicious 2015 "Les Darons." A dual homage meaning "parents" in his native neighborhood in Paris and also referencing Grenache and Carignan, the parent grape varieties to all red wines in Languedoc-Roussillon. The fruit comes from Laure-Minervois from vines 40+ years old. This year's blend is a 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah and 5% Carignan. It oozes the freshness and ripeness that is the 2015 vintage. The grapes are destemmed before fermentation, the wine sees no oak and is bottled ready for your immediate consumption. Pure deliciousness. (Keith Mabry, K&L French Regional buyer)