88+ 2011 Leon Barral Faugères (Languedoc) 7/11/14 ($32)
50% Carignan, 30% Grenache, 20% Cinsault 14% alc 40-70 year old vines, Biodynamic
Color: Very deep purple/black cherry. (3.5) Bouquet: Forestal nuances of twigs, bark, briar and leaves with restrained wild blueberry and boysenberry fruit. Has a chalky component with high acidity. Improves with extended breathing. (3.0) Body: Fierce, young acidity and plenty of tannins underneath. Very good fruit, but is youthfully austere and astringent in the mouth. Light heavyweight. Lacks balance. (2.5) Flavor: Parallels bouquet, but fruit and complexity are more giving here. Prominent bitter mineral flavors and exotic spice. (3.0) Finish: More bitterness and some heat here. (2.5)
Overall: I like the old vines fruit, but its youthful astringency combined with rustic terroir are quite austere at present. This needs hours in a decanter and serve at cellar temperature. Should improve with 4 to 6 years bottle age. Has some promise, but disappointing after the outstanding 2009. (14.5)
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