The 2020 La Ciaude from Domaine Anne Gros et Jean-Paul Tollot draws on the same exceptional single-lieu-dit source in the Cazelles subzone of Minervois as all vintages of this flagship cuvee: a three-hectare parcel of Carignan planted in 1904 alongside Syrah and Grenache on south-facing clay-limestone soils at altitude. The 2020 Minervois growing season was warm and dry, producing wines of notable richness and concentration; at La Ciaude's elevated limestone site, natural freshness was retained even in the heat.

The 2020 is now four to five years from harvest and entering an accessible phase where the old-vine Carignan's characteristic combination of dark fruit, spice, minerality and firm tannin structure begins to open. The estate's Burgundian vinification approach, full destemming and predominantly oak barrel ageing, works particularly well in richer vintages like 2020 where the wood provides a structural framework to carry concentrated fruit without excessive extraction.

At this point in its development, the 2020 La Ciaude offers a compelling portrait of what the Cazelles limestone can produce in a warm year: rich and concentrated but with a backbone of mineral acidity that prevents any sense of excess. The critical track record of this cuvee across previous vintages, including Wine Advocate scores in the low nineties for the 2012 and 2013, indicates a wine of consistent ambition that rewards cellaring and careful evaluation.

Drink from 2025 to 2033. Decant for one hour before service and pair with roast game birds, braised lamb or strong aged cheese.

Deep ruby-violet. The nose offers concentrated dark fruit, limestone mineral, dried herb, spice and a distinctive century-old-vine intensity and gravitas. The palate is full-bodied with firm, structured tannins softened by five years of bottle development, and a long mineral finish of real depth. Generous but serious: a southern France grand terroir expression.