Name: Mas Janeil
Vintage: 2009
Producer: François Lurton SA
Region/Country: Côtes du Roussillon-Village, Languedoc-Roussillon, France
Grape Varietal(s): 60% Grenache, 30% Carignan, 10% Syrah
Consumed: At home on a Friday night (date night)
Recommended By: The LCBO and Decanter (world wine awards commendation)
Cost: $17.75
Bottle Presentation: Distinctive, modern, easy to read, artistic
Appearance: Medium ruby red, with a faint tinge of orange around the edges
Nose: Vanilla, cigar, dark fruits
Taste: Cigar, wood, leather, dark fruits and anise
Finish: Wood, leather, earth
Overall impression: A decent and complex red blend that evolved nicely over time. We saved some for the next day, and we were glad we did, as more of the vanilla and cigar notes came out, tempering the earth finish. Interestingly, the nose smelled like a port. It did not pair so well with a filet mignon with three peppercorn sauce, but it proved to be a lovely match with grilled red onion, and fries and ketchup, leading us to think it would pair well with tomato-based pastas and a variety of grilled vegetables. At less than $18.00, the value speaks for itself.
Rating:85/100
Value: 4.5/5