Laroche, Languedoc Pays d’Oc IGP (France) Cabernet Sauvignon 2013

Burgundy’s Domaine Laroche, producer of exquisite Chablis, has joined the parade of vintners now cultivating in the Languedoc. The quality curve in the Languedoc has been bending upward over the past decade, but the rise in quality over the past few vintages has been nothing short of meteoric. One great example is this $13 Cabernet from Laroche, which does a pretty darn good imitation of a tasty Bordeaux from the Medoc. It shows bright black currant and plum fruit, an inviting nose of violets and spice, and firm tannins on the back end, with a light herbal touch. If you’ve been looking for a superb house Cab for less than $15 a bottle, stop looking.