Mas Des Bressades, Cuvée Excellence, 2014

‘I’m a partisan of Roussanne,’ say Cyril Marès, who with his wife Nathalie also runs Mas Carlot, regularly two of the best names in this region; ‘it brings freshness, structure and stature to our wines.’ Galet stone soils here are very deep – 15m before a layer of clay – and ripeness is easier to achieve than freshness. Hence a small proportion is matured in steel, while the percentage of new oak has fallen from 90% to 75% recently. This 70% Roussanne, 20% Viognier, 10% Grenache Blanc blend sings.   John Livingstone-Learmonth <br /> Stylish, broad nose with a hint of vanilla oak, guava jelly and ripe fruit. The palate builds and gains depth as it goes, is nice and ripe and properly southern with a complete finish. A superior food wine.   Ben Llewelyn <br /> Lovely savoury, sappy fruit aromas bolstered by oak. Weighty fruit carries the oak making for an opulent, richly textured palate. Well formed and ageworthy. A classic of the region.   Marcel Orford-Williams <br /> Rich and full flavoured with a creamy and long finish. A most satisfying wine and a great example of Costières de Nîmes.