2019 LA FALAISE, Chateau de la Negly. La Clape, Languedoc

La Clape îs a high quality appellation withing the larger Languedoc region, located next to the Mediterranean due east of Narbonne. Between the region and the sea are a number of lagoons, home to flamingoes all year round!
It’s warm both summer and winter – the challenge is to tame the ripeness of fruit, which can often be rather too hot and heavy.

50% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 10% Mouvedre, all grown as traditional bush vines, matured in a mixture of French oak barrels, the Syrah proportion having about half new oak.

Jean Paux-Rosset inherited the estate in 1992 and completely re-planted it, also buying the neighbouring Boède vineyards. Consultant oenologist Claude Gros re-designed the winery and by 2000 they started producing serious and elegant wine, amongst the best in the Languedoc.

Should reach its peak around 2028.

Despite the high alcohol, this is beautifully balanced with lovely freshness and spice. Approachable now but at its best from 2025.