Domaine Danjou-Banessy with Cambridge Wine

This is a new Roussillon estate for me, run by two brothers, Sébastien and Benoît, who follow biodynamic methods.  One or two people had already recommended it as an interesting estate to visit, and then Stewart Travers at Cambridge Wine very kindly offered some samples.   I enjoyed what I tasted, so they are now on the wish list for a visit the next time I get to Roussillon, whenever that will be.  Meanwhile here are my tasting notes.  The wine names are the names of the specific vineyards.

2017 Côtes Catalanes Blanc, Coste - £17.40

A pure Macabeo, grown on clay and limestone in a plot called Les Terres Rouges.  The vines are between 10 and 30 years old, which is quite young for Macabeo vines.  Aged in old oak for ten to fourteen months.  Light colour. Fresh stony, lemony nose with firm acidity on the palate.    Very fresh and elegant, and nicely incisive on the finish.   A modest 11.5°

2017 Côtes Catalanes Blanc, Clos Escounils - £24.18

This comes from one plot, of just one hectare, a complantation of 100-year-old Grenache vines, Noir, Gris and Blanc.  Obviously the Grenache Noir is not used for this wine.  However, there is some depth in the colour.  The wine was fermented in large oak barrels, and aged for two years in the foudres. Quite a rounded nose, with some well integrated oak on both nose and palate, balanced with some firm fruit.  A nicely textured palate with some satisfying mouthfeel and some potential for ageing in bottle.

2017 Côtes Catalanes Rouge. Roboul - £17.46

A blend of 60% Mourvèdre with 40% Grenache.  Aged in old oak for twelve months.  Fairly light colour, with quite a fresh nose.  Initially it had what I call a natural edge, but that blew off with some air. On the palate the wine is fresh and juicy, with appealing ripe cherries and a balance of light tannin and acidity.

2017 Côtes Catalanes, la Truffière - £21.18

From 60-year-old vines, half Grenache and half Carignan, grown on schist. Medium colour.  Very perfumed, with red cherries on the nose. The palate is elegantly rounded, with ripe fragrant fruit, and a concentration of flavour, but without being heavy.  Nicely balanced, with a fresh finish.

2016 Côtes Catalanes, la Truffière - £24.99

An interesting vintage comparison.  Deeper colour.  More black fruit, rather than red fruit on the nose, with more concentration on the palate.  Ripe and rounded with a tannic streak.  Ripe black fruit, with balanced tannins and a long finish.  Probably longer lasting.

.  .  

2016 Côtes Catalanes, les Myrs  - £26.58

Pure Carignan.  The vines are over ninety years old, grown on black schist and the wine is aged for 20 months in old oak barrels.  Quite a deep colour.  An initial natural edge on both the nose and palate, which disappears with air. Fresh red fruit on the nose and on the palate, it is quite tannic and structured, with an initial dryness. However, the wine evolves in the glass and the ripe fruit comes to the fore, with an elegant finish.   12.5°.   One of those wines that keeps you guessing. 

                           www.cambridgewine.com