Chateau L’Hospitalet, La Clape (Languedoc-Rousillon, France) 2009

Jan 11, 2012

By Robert Whitley

This is my first exceptional value wine of 2012. It’s what’s known as a GSM blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvedre. This wine exhibits rich, sensuous textures with supple tannins and layered blackberry and black raspberry fruit. La Clape is a small spit of land that juts into the Mediterranean (eons ago it was once an island unto itself) southeast of Narbonne in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France. It was once a sub-appellation of the Coteaux du Languedoc, but last year was elevated to AOC Grand Cru status, a long overdue and well deserved promotion in vineyard rank. Chateau L’Hospitalet is the centerpiece of proprietor Gerard Bertrand’s impressive wine empire that spans the entire Languedoc-Roussillon region.

Country / Region

Languedoc-Rousillon, France

Appellation

La Clape

Grape Variety

Color

Red

Vintage

2009

Score

91

Price

US $ 20.00

Producer

Chateau L'Hospitalet