Mas Carlot fashions one of the most distinctive wines in France, the Clairette de Bellegarde, from vines planted in 1947. The 2009 is the finest example of this cuvee I have yet tasted. Floral notes intermixed with hints of tangerines, nectarines, white peaches and wet rocks emerge from this light to medium-bodied white. It represents a naked expression of winemaking that has lots of finesse, perfume and overall character. Drink it over the next 1-2 years. This is one of the best run estates in Costieres de Nimes. Owned by the husband and wife team of Nathalie Blanc-Mares and Cyril Mares, with the charming, passionate Nathalie running Mas Carlot and Cyril in charge of the neighboring estate of Mas des Bressades (another high quality/ value producer).Importer: Robert Kacher Selections, Washington, DC; tel. (202) 832-9083

Enticing aromas of orange blossom, ripe apricot, peach and pineapple. Quite full-bodied and succulent with ample stone fruit flavor, orange custard, dried herbs and anise. Smooth with some viscosity but not heavy with a slight smoked almond kick to the finish. ——W.E.(10/15/2010)—— 89