General, 30 March 2008

Ch de l’Engarran Gres de Montpellier 2004, Coteaux de Languedoc
Oddbins £9 [B]

A blend of 39% Syrah, 28% Grenache, 28% Carignan & 5% Mourvèdre, this wine has a rather cool feel unlike most Languedoc wines of this price range; the 14% of alcohol is masked behind the burst of fruit flavours dominated by cherries, plums and sour prunes. There is also a nice smokiness to it, perhaps even a touch of licorice. The tannins could do with some softening out, but overall, this wine has got a nice body and structure to go with food. I had it with a meaty pizza and it went well, I would imagine pork or lamb in some gravy would be fine too. It could be kept to see whether it’ll develop, but its drinking well now.