This Gaillac, which is a blend of Duras, Syrah and Fer Servadou, was aged in barriques for 12 months. The label states "Vignerons de Rabastens" and has a drawing of la Mairie de Rabastens, which suggests to me that the wine may be a co-op effort.
12% alc. Medium-dark but clear garnet hue; wintery sumac colour towards the meniscus. Bright tart red fruits mingle with white pepper on the nose; the wine conveys a sense of brightness. A bit of smoky oak is noted, but it is discreet and adds to the overall bouquet without sticking out. Brightly crisp on the entry with tart, expansive acidity; fleeting hints of white pepper and strawberry dash across the palate, which displays a light-bodied structure and a hint of grippy tannin. Properly dry, the wine is more tart than astringent; it calls out for food. Peppery-berry flavours follow onto the finish, which is brisk, dry, and a bit short.
I don't know much about the Gaillac appellation, but given the usual heft of reds from that area, I wonder if 2002 wasn't a weaker-than-average vintage. This wine is enjoyable and tasty - it simply lacks some concentration and power.