‘Poudre d’Escampette’

Carignan, Mourvèdre, Grenache Gris, Grenache Noir, Macabeu & Syrah, Languedoc-Roussillon, France 

After one year finding serenity in the GW cellar, ‘Poudre d’Escampette’ has emerged the most delicate yet dense south of France red, and regrettably, the last of its kind. Alain Castex was known as the father of the Roussillon, a legendary pillar of quality, heart and resilience since the 90’s. ‘Poudre d’Escampette’ is made from century old, Mediterranean-moulded vines, including cherried carignan, dusty mourvédre, racing grenache gris, mineral grenache noir, fleshy macabeu & meaty syrah. Destemmed and semi-carbonically macerated for 5-6 days (less than in previous vintages) this final vintage shows all encompassing aromatics and a shift from the weightiness of past iterations, in lieu of a light, crackling vigour. (not so) FUN FACT! Alain had expressed that it was a vinous miracle he was able to make any wine at all in 2022, as his region only received NINE inches of rain for the ENTIRE growing year!! Peony, wasp nest in a thicket kinda dangerously organic texture, beached shell minerality, ripe but sapless blue fruit, slight tonic bitterness, citrus flowers & pre-sunburn skin. Hold on for a time yet to come, or drink now while flipping through Honey From a Weed, by Patience Gray.