Gérard Bertrand : Clos d'Ora 2014

Full-bodied and precise, with focused currant and boysenberry fruit flavors edged by white pepper, cured meat and dried herb details. Undertones of licorice and mocha give richness midpalate through the finish. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Drink now through 2023. 701 cases made, 100 cases imported.

Some cassis and ripe cherries on the nose with mocha and sweet spices. Medium- to full-bodied with fine tannins. It has a spicy edge on the palate with weight. Focused with a rather compact finish considering its age. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

The wine has pedigree, fullness, and great depth. An aromatic palette of fresh dark fruits and fine spices, generous texture, silky tannins, great class.

Perhaps the least powerful vintage yet released, the 2014 Minervois La Livinière Clos d'Ora remains fresh and forward, with cedar notes framing black cherry fruit. It's still a full-bodied wine, with a plush, velvety texture and more drinkability than the other years, while remaining intense, supple and long on the finish.