RKS 2023 Wine: From Côtes Catalanes

Posted byRobert K Stephen (CSW)Posted inWineTags:, , ,

Lafage Narassa 2020 is from 50-year-old plus vines and is a blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah. It was from grapes harvested in September and November and then blended.

Aroma: Blackberries, blueberries, plums, licorice and a smattering of dark chocolate.

Palate: Just a bit of momentary sweetness as part of the grapes used in the blend were intentionally overripened. While one might categorize the wine as made from hot weather grapes which it might be that touch of sweetness soothes the heat and leaves in its wake a smooth ride and a heap, of very ripe strawberries.

Personality: You may initially contemplate a hot and heavy wine and as far as your palate is concerned you may be correct. But take me a step further and take a sip and you might find me almost elegant if such is possible with 15% induced heat.

Food Match: Just about any pasta dish made with fresh local tomatoes is key.

Cellarbility: Drinking window now until 2027.

Price: $24.95 CDN.

RKS 2023 Wine Rating: 90/100. Joe Czerwinski, robertparker.com 91.

(Lafage Narassa 2020, IGP Côtes de Catalanes, Famille Lafage, Perpignan, France, 750 mL, 15%).

Published by Robert K Stephen (CSW)

Robert K Stephen writes about food ,drink, travel, film, and lifestyle issues. He also has published serialized novels "Life at Megacorp", "Virus # 26, "Reggie the Egyptian Rescue Dog" and "The Penniless Pensioner" Robert was the first associate member of the Wine Writers’ Circle of Canada. He also holds a Mindfulness Certification from the University of Leiden and the University of Toronto. Be it Spanish cured meat, dried fruit, BBQ, or recycled bamboo place mats, Robert endeavours to escape the mundane, which is why he has established this publication. His motto is, "Have Story, Will Write."

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