L''Hortus

2009 Domaine L'Hortus Classique

Domaine de l'Hortus's dramatic location up against the cliffs of the Hortus and Pic Saint-Loup massifs themselves and offering shallow terraces with exposures ranging from north-facing for whites and Syrah (some propagated from Clape and Verset budwood) to south-facing for Mourvedre (from Tempier), sets it apart from other properties in its sub-appellation, and Languedoc pioneer Jean Orliac brings an unprecedented three decades of familiarity with this rocky realm of scree and iron- and quartzite-rich limestone. A blend of Syrah and Mourvedre "Black cherry, violets, and fennel on the noe with a creamy palate, with richly ripe fruit flavors and a twist of savory meatiness." A beaut from Southern France