August 19, 2021 - Summer of 2021 Cornucopia of Wines (Dogwood Grove, Garezers, HHI): Wow was this a pleasant surprise since I am generally unfamiliar with this maker and this appellation. But a trusted salesman turned me onto it many years ago and some ageing really did wonders for it. A bit like the Beaulieu Cab above, this has developed a bit of a raspberry mousse or pastry element to it which was intoxicating. In addition, there are elements of forest and game and it’s all just a nice package and evolves in the glass as well.
September 18, 2016 - There is just something I just don't get about this wine. I think the rustic Carignan (50% of blend via Kermit Lynch's site) must just not be my thing or maybe it becomes something greater after 7 years and I didn't give it enough time. However, I tried one a year for three years and never enjoyed it nor saw potential (decanting, overnighting it, etc.) for me to like it. It never seemed off in any way, but just rough and tannic mid-palate through the finish with only terse fruit to show with it. I can't score it since I just don't understand what it is going for and others seem to have a better feel for it than I.
September 13, 2015 - If one were to choose between a fully decanted, room temperature offering of this wonderful wine, or a cellar temp, rougher Pnp, I will now suggest the latter. Once gain, the deep breeding, almost taste of the earth and vines, richness and finish make this one of the most special wines in a long time. Subtle, no. Nor a perfumed Cote de Nuits or Pomerol. But the Jadis is singing now and the 209 fully ready.
The old vine carignan produces here an almost sweet small dark fruit compote at center, with lots of moist earth, fall leaves And the black pepper and Grenache smoothness in the blend.at room temp, the soft flavors were a bit more subtle, so the colder version will show a bit more racy character. The finish is complete, and the nose jumps at you with sweet bramble berries, mushrooms( not like Mourvèdre) and wood.
July 27, 2015 - Very nice bottle. Very enjoyable now, but no rush.
February 9, 2015 - A blend of Carignan (50%), Syrah (30%) and Grenache (20%). Fermented spontaneously, macerated for 3-4 weeks in concrete tanks. Aged for 2 years in oak barrels (10%) new.
Dense, completely opaque and quite inky appearance with blackish red color that turns to surprisingly youthful, purple hue towards the rim. The nose feels somewhat closed and a bit reductive with slowly opening aromas of peppery spice, ripe dark fruits, some tobacco character, a little bit of oaky dark chocolate character, a hint of bretty funk and a touch of lifted volatile character. Contrasting the somewhat understated nose, the wine is remarkably pure, juicy and expressive on the palate with vibrant, ripe flavors of sweet dark plums, peppery spice, crunchy red fruits, some funky wild character, a little bit of perfumed floral character, hints of ripe forest fruits like blackberries and blueberries and a slightly porty touch of sweet dried figs. The wine is very structured with its moderately high acidity and very ample and extracted, but also ripe and powdery tannins. These tannins offer a lot of grip, but they don't feel angular nor aggressive. The lengthy finish is quite warm and rather mouthdrying with noticeably tannic character. There are complex, pure flavors of juicy blackberries, wild strawberries, succulent dark plums, some peppery spice, a little bit of earthy garrigue, a hint of leathery funk and a touch of savory wood spice.
A wonderfully vibrant, pure and energetic Languedoc red with a lot of depth, complexity and focus. The warm 2009 vintage might have contributed some to the alcohol warmth here, but otherwise the wine is remarkably fresh and vibrant for one from such a hot vintage and warm region. This is a big wine for sure, but definitely not heavy, too extracted or overdone. Really lovely now, but based on its somewhat reductive character, balance and immense tannic structure, I can see that this wine will continue to develop at least until its 10th birthday. Wonderful stuff, priced according to its quality at 29,62€. Highly recommended.
December 1, 2014 - Another scrumptious bottle served at cellar temp and decanted only a half hour before the meal. Dark red/ purple fruit, baked blueberry and mushroom flavons, with that wondeedul earthy and slightly fruit forward rustic edge.
October 9, 2014 - Such a fun wine to drink.
Pronounced nose of saddle, leather, horse, farmyard, cinnamon, pepper, forest, dirt, cherry, cranberry.
I might just prefer the Leon Barral Faugeres over the Jadis as I recall it having a bit more freshness in fruit. Probably to do with the ageing. The Jadis is 22-24 months in oak (10% new).
September 4, 2014 - Another exciting bottle of this dark red rich fruit led rustic wine that is finely crafted and enjoyable without decant. Carignan displays forestry, briar and earthy tones but the entire special cuvée delivers a wonderful bistro accompaniment
August 13, 2014 - Served chilled at a new bistro, this wine was quite enticing and not at all the old often erratic and rough Faugeres style . The Faugeres earthiness and rustic appeal were heightened by a more fruit forward, but classic French cherry and plum note, with plenty of briar, smoke, and autumn leaves.
April 22, 2014 - Excellent. les tanins sont encore fermes à 'ouverture, mais un peu d'air les détend. Le vin est concentré, très parfumé, avec une bonne fraîcheur. Aucune lourdeur. Difficile de dire comment il aurait évolué, mais prêt à boire en l'état.