Château Saint Jean d’Aumières, L’Affranchi 2022

Château Saint Jean d’Aumières, L’Affranchi 2022
IGP Saint Guilhem le Désert
Vianney has dramatically reworked this cuvée.  It is now an exotic mix of 30% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 15% Carignan, 10% Mourvèdre, 10% Marselan, 5% Cinsault, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Merlot!
He uses whole bunch fermentation for the Carignan, a traditional method, which tends to lower the alcohol level and enhance freshness.  Partial oak ageing adds complexity. The overall effect is to enhance the silkiness of the tannins.
The results are outstanding! Deep in colour, there is a nose of intense fruit and wild herbs. This opens out into a concentrated mouthful of soft plum, blackberry and fig, with silky tannins and a hint of liquorice at the finish.  Gorgeous now but will improve over the next two years!
Retailing elsewhere for £12.