Domaine Gassier - Lou Coucardie Rogue

Classification: AOP

Year: 2014

Alcohol: 14.5%

Grapes: 50% Mourvèdre, 35% Grenache, 15% Syrah

This bottle had strong scents of heavy fruits and oaky notes. Some fresh earthy scents at the end too. This was yet another one that seems to pack a wide but deep range of flavours. There's definitely a strong but sweet heaviness of dark fruits such as plum and blackberry, but also some sweeter notes of black cherry and blueberry. There are also plenty of oaky notes such as vanilla, tobacco, and dark chocolate. Finally, a good handful of spicy notes like liquorice and pepper. Quite a nice and complex range of flavours to experience from start to end with a nice earthy and fresh feel in the background. The body is a bit acidic and quite full, however all of the flavours feel decently balanced all things considered. The flavours feel like they come as needed versus one trying to overpower the other flavours. That said, there’s less of a sweeter feel overall, and more of the heavier notes that may seem overwhelming. The finish to this one is kinda dry, and a bit high in tannins, but doesn’t feel that heavy in the mouth afterwards. There’s still a bit of those oaky, earthy, and slightly sweet flavours that cling to the mouth for awhile. There’s a stronger smoky and spicy finish to this one; kinda like finishing an above average quality Cuban cigar.

I quite enjoyed this one. This one is perhaps a bit on the pricier side (~35$), but the flavours are broad and complex and feel very well balanced. Other cheaper wines I've had like this don't feel as balanced (like the past two I reviewed for example). But as mentioned earlier, this one is far less on the sweeter side and may turn people who prefer a sweeter wine away. This is more of a matter of preference rather than the quality of the wine. If you've got a bit of extra money to burn, and enjoy a wine with good complex flavours, then I'd say go for this one!

Pairings: This one would also go great with some smoked meats like brisket, lamb, ribs, bison, ribeye, and steak.

Overall Rating: 4 Languedoc Crosses out of 5

Where To Get: https://www.liquorconnect.com/Products/Stores/776767