Gérard Bertrand, La Clape (Languedoc, France) Château L’Hospitalet 2021 ($47, Gérard Bertrand USA)

The rich and lovely ripe and dried black raspberry flavors might be a partial giveaway that Grenache is involved, but it would otherwise be hard even for blind tasters to guess the makeup and origins of this very enjoyable red blend. It is well balanced, smooth and harmonious in texture, with a silky mouth feel and a lightly spicy finish and soft tannins. The composition: 57% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 11% Carignan, 3% Cinsault and a soupcon of Mourvèdre.
94 Roger Morris