Mas de Daumas Gassac - IGP Saint-Guilhem le désert rouge 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Much has been written about the Daumas-Gassac estate. Aimé Guibert, who passed away in 2016, identified high-quality terroirs in Aniane that were suitable for growing Cabernet Sauvignon, a grape variety not authorized by local appellations. For white wines, he also chose to vinify a blend of Chardonnay, Viognier, and Petit Manseng, which also excluded him from the appellation. His estate therefore produces a red (a blend of 80% non-cloned Cabernet Sauvignon accompanied by around twenty other grape varieties, most of which are rare) and a white (also a multi-varietal blend) with the Hérault PGI, which he has managed to establish at a price level unheard of in this category. The white is aged in stainless steel vats, while the red is partially aged in barrels. Both the white and red wines are of unparalleled purity, precision, and complexity, and age remarkably well. The range is complemented by pleasant IGP wines, designed to be drunk quickly. A sure bet in the region.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the estate:

A fine example of the breakthrough of Languedoc wines across five continents, this estate, founded in 1971 by Aimé and Véronique Guibert, caused a stir a few years ago by offering local wines at the same price as the great Bordeaux wines. However, it has remained at the top of the list with wines of consistent quality and remarkable aging potential. Today, it is run by the founders' sons.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About the estate:

Aimé Guibert was a leading figure in the revival of Languedoc wine and its recognition in France and then internationally, after acquiring his old farmhouse nestled beside the Gassac River. He helped to restore the potential of the limestone terroir of the Upper Gassac Valley, composed of glacial gravel, in the foothills of the Cévennes. The daily temperature range and the nature of the soils convinced him that this was a great terroir for Cabernet Sauvignon, which would be produced from mass selection of the best Bordeaux châteaux. Aimé's sons, Samuel, Gaël, Roman, and Basile, now preside over the estate. Daumas Gassac has distinguished itself thanks to its potential and longevity. Like the great Cabernet Sauvignons of the world, it is best enjoyed after at least a decade. While the work is immense and undeniable, and the quality of the reds is always there (even if the wines do not necessarily bear the identity of the place), we expect much more from the entire range.

Jancis Robinson

About wine:

Very dark color with a purple rim. Pure and intense aroma of blackcurrant, heady, with a delicate and seductive note of herbs and leaves. Floral too, with an aroma of violets. On the palate, it is already supple, with round but still lively and compact tannins, and a lovely elegance. Very primary at the moment, but it has the balance and fruitiness necessary to age for a very long time. Long finish too.