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La Combe Saint Paul, Gres Rouges, La Clape, 2020

This enticing red is named after the vineyard soils derived from grés rouge (red sandstone). 60% Syrah with 20% each of Mourvèdre and Grenache, basically unoaked (10% in old barrels). 

This shows an unusual depth of flavour and intensity for a wine at this price. Inky hue; aromas of red and black fruit with a hint of sage; and then a youthful, powerful mouthful, not in the least over-ripe but showing the sharp notes of hedgerow fruit, tinged with cinnamon and nutmeg. Splendid, fruit-filled finish.

A well-priced, smartly presented bottle from this prestigious appellation for enjoying immediately and for a few years. Now-2026

La Clape (a “heap of pebbles” in the old Occitan language of the south), just east of Narbonne was once a rocky island; geologically speaking a klippen, an eroded remnant of a Jurassic up-thrust, cut off from the mainland. Sediments from the river Aude attached it to the mainland in the 14^th Century. La Clape’s potential for viticulture was actually spotted by the Romans, who planted vines and shipped wine from here back to their distant capital. The combination of some altitude (the rock rises over 200m.) sea mists, and plentiful wind (the Tramontane from the plateau to the north is particularly violent) gives a little freshness to the air here, and extends the growing season in one of the sunniest spots in France.

Paul and Line Maury might be amongst our youngest producers but winemaking runs in the genes. Paul’s grandparents and great grandparents were winemakers specialising in single varietal wines, and we also stock the family's great value  examples of Chardonnay, Vermentino and Viognier. In 2008 Paul came across the opportunity to buy vines on La Clape itself. His vineyard near the sea is surrounded by pine and oak trees; here Syrah is planted on typical clay-limestone soils, whereas the Mourvèdre vineyards show more clay and sand.