Chateau Paul Mas, Coteaux du Languedoc (France) 2011

The various domains of Paul Mas throughout the south of France, in the Languedoc region that extends from Montpelier to the Spanish border and the Pyrenees mountains, are yet another example of the growing excellence in wine production that for so long eluded this beautiful part of the world. The 2011 Clos des Mures, a blend of syrah, grenache and mourvedre, is a shining example. It exhibits intense red and dark berry fruit aromas, with finely integrated tannins and tremendous persistence of flavor through a very long finish. This is an extremely classy red wine at a very modest price. This wine won a gold medal at the San Diego International wine competition earlier this year. Though listed at $23, the average price on WineSearcher.com is $17.