Oenologist Claude Gros elected to bet heavily on Mourvedre for the Baptiste-Boutes 2009 Minervois, which additionally includes around 25% each Grenache and Carignan. That there is but 10% Syrah doesn't surprise once you learn that this grape reached 17% alcohol here in 2009! There is a strongly carnal, beef stock-like character here allied to juicy, ripe blackberry and pungent brown spices. Full, yet bright, this leaves an invigoratingly lasting trail. It should remain tasty for at least the next 4-5 years. The latest Baptiste-Boutes releases depart radically considerably in blend and vinification from the 2007 about which I wrote in issue 183.Imported by Jeffrey Davies Signature Selections, Bordeaux; tel. 011 33 556 081 954