Lovely Wines from Domaine Navarre

Thierry Navarre cultivates 13 hectares of mostly Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah.  He also has a small amount of Terret, Grenache Gris, and Oeillades.  His organic vineyards are located on soils of schiste and based on these two bottles, yield lovely fruit.  I was immediately attracted to the finely, scented nose of the Le Laouzil.  It suggests this is a wine to drink in its youth and the palate confirms that impression.   We actually drank it first so that the Cuvee Olivier could breath.  The later is from the hotter and dryer 2010 vintage.  The reduced yields of the vintage allow Cuvee Olivier to exhibit additional flavor and weight.  It still maintains a grapey levity so you will not mistake it for a Southern Rhone wine.  I liked both of these wines but I would spend the extra money to secure the Cuvee Olivier.  These wines were purchased at Chambers Street Wines.

2011 Domaine Navarre, Le Laouzil, Saint-Chinian – $14
Imported by Fruit of the Vines.  This wine is a blend of mostly Grenache and Syrah with a little Carignan.  It was aged in old wooden vats.  Alcohol 13%.  The good nose is finely scented with grapey aromas and a dark, cinnamon bit.  In the mouth there was grapey black and red fruit in this tart wine.  The acidity was on the sides of the tongue along with grapey tannins of youth.  The wine does not need age despite the moderate tannins.  A little pencil lead comes out with air.  ** Now.

2010 Domaine Navarre, Cuvee Olivier, Saint-Chinian – $19
Imported by Fruit of the Vines.  This wine is an equal blend of Carignan, Grenache, and Syrah from the oldest vines aged in demi-muids.  Alcohol 13.5%.  The color is a medium grapey purple.  The nose remained subtle.  In the mouth were serious, deeper black grapey fruit.  With air a very focused ripe, powdery, blue fruit flavor came out.  The tannins coat the gums and lips.  The wine slowly develops weight and becomes even more engaging.  *** Now-2020