WTN: Domaine de Nizas 2001 Coteaux du Languedoc

[Robin Garr]

<table border="0" align="right" width="170"><tr><td><img src="http://www.wineloverspage.com/graphics1/niza0201.jpg" border="1" align="right"></td></tr></table>Domaine de Nizas 2001 Coteaux du Languedoc ($14.99)

A traditional blend of Syrah (60%), Mourvedre (35%) and a splash of Grenache (5%), this is an inky-dark reddish-purple wine, almost opaque in the glass. Black plums and dried herb aromas are typical of Languedoc reds, and for that matter, so is its healthy dose of earthy "barnyard." Tart and ripe in flavor, there's plenty of fruit left in this 6-year-old; good acidic balance, rather coarse tannins, and the <i>Brettanomyces</i> wild yeast that fosters the earthy flavors leaves its signature as a metallic twang in the finish. It's not for everyone, but for those - like me - who don't mind "Brett" in light doses in rustic Old World wines, it's fine, adding a layer of complexity. U.S. importer: Clos du Val Wine Co. Ltd., Napa, Calif. (Feb. 1, 2007)

<B>FOOD MATCH:</b> Its palate-cleansing acidity cuts through the fat while its earthy, tannic flavors stand up very nicely to deli hot pastrami with mustard on rye.

<B>VALUE:</B> Fairly priced, although I'd like to see it closer to $10. Shop around, as Wine-searcher.com vendors show it at an exceptionally wide range from $11 to $20.

<B>WHEN TO DRINK:</B> The fruit, acid and tannins say yes, cellar it until it mellows; but the brett says, er, hang on a minute. If you don't like that barnyardy character, don't expect it to get better with time in the bottle.

<B>WEB LINK:</B>
The Domaine de Nizas Website is published in both French and English. Click the national flag of your choice:
http://www.domainedenizas.com/

<B>FIND THIS WINE ONLINE:</B>
Look up vendors and compare prices for Domaine de Nizas Coteaux du Languedoc on Wine-Searcher.com:
[url=http://www.wine-searcher.com/find/Nizas%2bLanguedoc/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP]http://www.wine-searcher.com/
find/Nizas%2bLanguedoc/-/-/USD/A?referring_site=WLP[/url]

[OW Holmes]

Now that you have wandered outside the Pic St Loup for one of your's Robin, I guess we can too. I am having trouble finding any Pic St. Loups on the shelves here in Grand Rapids.
So, perhaps I'll pop the cork on a '98 Clavel Copa Santa.

[Robin Garr]

Now that you have wandered outside the Pic St Loup for one of your's Robin, I guess we can too. I am having trouble finding any Pic St. Loups on the shelves here in Grand Rapids.
So, perhaps I'll pop the cork on a '98 Clavel Copa Santa.

Sorry, OW, I thought that was clear, but I guess I'd better post a formal intro: We are focusing moderately tightly on Coteaux du Languedoc. No Minervois, no Faugeres, no Rousillon. But anywhere in the Coteaux is okay, with extra credit for Pic Saint Loup if you can find it. It's not horribly hard to find in most regions ... Kermit brings in a couple of good ones, and in your neck of the woods, I'd be a little surprised if J et R or Hand Picked Selections doesn't have some.

[Bob Parsons Alberta]

Availability might not be too big a problem down in your area, but up here there is hardly any choice as I pointed out in another thread. Most reputable stores all carry the same Ermitage Pic St Loup, the `02, and thats it.
There are some great reds out there from neighbouring areas so hopefully we will be able to track them down!!

[OW Holmes]

I stopped by the only shop in town that might have a Pic st. Loup, and they did, the Ermitage du Pic St. Loup for 27.50. I passed.
I intended to open either the LaRoque Mourvedre - a legitimate Pic St. Loup - or another Languedoc I've been waiting on, but at the last second grabbed a bottle of Chateau des Karantes la Clape, a Languedoc 2005 touted by my retailer to check out before they disappear from his shelves. This is a mostly Grenache, 20% Mourvedre, 10% Syrah blend that I hope some of you can find and try. It's red berry, leather, black earth and dead cow notes remind me a great deal of a young modern styled CdP, good acidity, sweet tannins, and a gorgeous texture. It is a medium bodied wine, and while I would have to put it in the modern camp, it is by no means a spoofy wine. Very pure and clean tasting. Lip smacking. I am awfully glad I tried it. We are in the midst of some really crappy weather here in west Michigan, but tomorrow I will put the Pathfinder in 4-wheel drive and head to Russo's for another half dozen.