This estate is located northeast of the town of Carcassone in the Minervois appellation in southern France. Owners Michel and Sylvie Escande farm 25 hectares of vineyards at the highest elevation in region. The yields are kept low and the fruit, hand-harvested, is picked late. Michel is a unique personality, and has become a something of a cult figure in the western Languedoc region.

Minervois Cuvee Sylla
1998 sold out
"Bright ruby-red. Knockout nose combines raspberry, roasted meat, garrigue, pepper and iron. Impressively sweet and stuffed with fruit; a Minervois of rare dimension and mouthfilling richness. Finishes with big, thoroughly ripe tannins and notes of pepper and dark chocolate." 90 Steve Tanzer, International Wine Cellar 7-8/00
"The impressive 1998 Cuvee Sylla, fashioned from 100% Syrah, hand-harvested at 30 hectoliters per hectare, possesses a saturated, dark ruby color. Its super-ripe nose offers loads of candied black raspberry aromas. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied, mouth-coating, and massively ripe wine represents a terrific expression of tank-fermented Syrah fruit. Hints of chocolate appear in its admirably long and supple finish. Drink this wonderful wine over the course of the next 4-5 years." 89-91 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #142

Minervois Cuvee Alex
2001 $20.99 limited
"The Minervois Cuvee Alex was named after importer Robert Kacher's eight year old son. It is a blend of 60% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, and 15% Grenache, with aromas that are dominated by Syrah. In fact their pure black raspberry scents are reminiscent of a Rene Rostaing Cote Rotie. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine reveals outstanding concentration, depth of fruit, extract, and balance. Dense waves of blackberries, cherries, black raspberries, cassis, and spices are found in its well-balanced, powerful personality as well as in its long, ripe finish. Projected maturity: Now-2007." 90 Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate #142

Minervois Esprit de Automne
This cuv?e is made from a selection of Syrah that is thinned to only ten bunches per plant. Excellent color, with deep cassis and plum flavors, and a spicy, earthy finish. The wine is completely unoaked and is bottled unfiltered.
2002 $12.99 limited