Roc Saint Constant 2020

This is a rich, authentic Minervois – thanks partly to great terroir and partly to a high-quality, low-quantity vintage. Spring was cool and wet and summer was slow to get going. It finally arrived and, with cool August nights, produced lovely ripe, balanced grapes and flavoursome wines. Vines at Roc Saint Constant date back as far as 1934, so these elderly plants naturally produce fewer grapes. Whole bunch fermentation has brought out the gorgeous fruity flavours of the herbal and blackberry-scented Syrah, the spicy, dark Carignan and supple, fleshy Grenache. This is lush, rich and charming – decant (a jug will do fine) half an hour beforehand. A splendid red for traditional cassoulet, roasted vegetable couscous or lamb and ratatouille.