Domaine Saint Daumary - Pic Saint-Loup L'Asphodèle 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Julien Chapel runs this unassuming estate in Valflaunès, which often flies under the radar. We had the chance to taste the lineup this year and must admit we were surprised by the depth of texture in the reds. We’ll be conducting a more detailed tasting next year; in the meantime, be sure to set your sights on these exceptional reds from the appellation.

Guide Hachette des vins

About the wine:

A " Favorite " and three stars: this wine, aged in tanks and earthenware jars and blended with 20% Grenache and Syrah, comes very close to perfection. No oak here, just fruit—a very juicy expression centered on blackcurrant purée and subtly enhanced by Zinfandel. The body is as full as one could wish for, the texture is exceptionally silky, the tannins are seamlessly integrated into the whole, and there’s always that delicious, very pure fruitiness—almost irresistible. We tip our hats to it.

About the estate:

Julien Chapel was the youngest winemaker in the Languedoc when he started his business. He took over his father's vineyards in 1999 at the age of just nineteen and left the cooperative winery. The vineyard (20 ha) is farmed organically.