This is "the most important Minervois of my experience," writes David Schildknecht, bestowing an ultrarespectable 93 Wine Advocate points on this Grenached based wine with Syrah and a touch of Carignan. A touch of Carignan! To a lot of French vignerons these days that's like saying a touch of rat poisoning. But after a few hours of air wow does this smoothie deliver the goods: sweet marionberries on the nose and palate, silky tannins, soft as a cloud mouthfeel, a luxurious finish...and seconds later a quirky but charming tag at the end of the finish that says, "Don't forget me, the Carignan," a reminder of where the wine comes from, Minervois, formerly a gigantic field of Carignan.
"I have no idea how it will age," says Schildknecht, nor do I. But why wait when it tastes so good now. Just give it hours of air and save some for a couple of days later. The "most important Minervois" is:
2004 L'OUSTAL BLANC MINERVOIS