Mas Cal Demoura - Terrasses du Larzac Les Combariolles 2024

Les Combariolles is a must-see in Terrasses-du-Larzac.

Diligence and care, intelligence and precision, along with a clear vision of what makes a great wine, have propelled the reds of the talented Vincent Goumard to the top. They embodied an exemplary classicism that never veered toward austerity. The evolution—without losing any of these qualities—toward a stunning sensuality marks the culmination of a cycle, one dominated by precision and the finesse of the tannins. The whites are also improving, notably with a cuvée that sparkles with astonishing freshness. New for 2020: the entire range is now bottled in Burgundy-style bottles.

The estate’s flagship wine, Les Combariolles—made from a selection of plots on stony hillsides—takes the time to pose for posterity: a pure red wine with Mediterranean spices and pure, precise, and crisp fruit—a masterfully executed creation.

After initially working in consulting, Vincent and Isabelle Goumard took over this beautiful estate in 2004, which had been founded in the early 1990s by Jean-Pierre Jullien. Although they had previously visited some twenty wineries in Languedoc and Roussillon, they were captivated by the power of this place, nestled in the heart of the Terrasses du Larzac. The couple quickly demonstrated the full extent of their talent, with a keen understanding of their vineyard plots and geological variations, a deep respect for the vines, and exacting winemaking standards. Over the years, their style has refined itself, producing wines that are increasingly delicate and complex, with elegant texture and magnificent aging potential. Mas Cal Demoura is undeniably one of the region’s leading estates. After an interesting 2021 vintage—though one that fell slightly short—the estate has produced superb 2022 wines. The third star is clearly within reach.