From Claude Gros and the team that produces the wines of La Negly, the Baptiste-Boutes 2007 Minervois is a 50-50 blend of Syrah and Grenache, matured in tank and some demi-muids, in either of which it spent a full year on its lees. A vivid aroma of black currant, licorice, and mint leads to a polished, bright, sappy palate, tinged with faint bitterness of toasted pecan, resinous herbs, and tart fruit skin. Intensely ripe but free of any superficial sense of sweetness; not terribly complex, but irresistibly delicious, this excellent value will satisfy anytime over the next 2-3 years. Imported by Jeffrey Davies Signature Selections, Bordeaux; tel. 011 33 556 081 954