Saint-Chinian wines are delicious

At the beginning of June 2025, Maitre de Cave decided to rediscover the wines of Saint-Chinian. A delightful opportunity to taste red wines. I extend my heartfelt thanks to the winemakers who agreed to share their bottles with me. Congratulations and thanks again to the winemakers and the Maison des Vins.

Outstanding and delicious wines

Yes, the wines of Saint-Chinian are definitely delicious. It was a pure joy to smell and taste these aromatic Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Syrah, and Cinsault blended wines.

2023 Borie la Vitarèle, Les Terres Blanches, Saint-Chinian       

50% Syrah, 40% Grenache Noir, 5% Mourvèdre          14˚ ABV

A crystalline and brilliant aspect, boasting a bold purple-violet robe with delicate cherry reflections, indicates youthful vibrancy. The nose is fresh, young, and aromatic, delivering a well-balanced profile with moderate intensity. Layers of pomegranate, red cherry, and hibiscus bring bright, fruity character, complemented by freshly ground black pepper, baking spices, and dried sage. A subtle presence of sweet, medium-toast oak adds warmth and complexity. On the palate, the wine is fresh and opulent, unfolding with powdered spices that seamlessly integrate into its well-balanced structure. The tannins are discreet and smooth, supporting a refined mouthfeel that leads to a long, fruity finish, leaving lingering notes of cherry and spice. This wine exemplifies excellent harmony, embracing a discreet approach to winemaking that is not commonly found in Saint-Chinian. Its elegant balance and depth make it delicious and currently drinkable, offering both immediate enjoyment and potential for further refinement with age.

2022 Château de Gragnos, Dolmen, Saint-Chinian         

40% Syrah, 25% Grenache Noir, 35% Mourvèdre          14.5˚ ABV

A clear and brilliant expression, featuring a pronounced ruby robe with enticing cherry reflections, indicating a bright youthfulness. The nose is young and fresh, offering an aromatic and sophisticated profile with a dusty presence that adds intrigue. Red and black cherry, hibiscus, bramble, and woodruff create a layered complexity, subtly enhanced by moderate intensity, medium-plus toast sweet oak. On the palate, the wine is luscious and opulent, carrying a refined elegance. The discreet, melting tannins provide a smooth texture, guiding the flavors toward a very long, fruit-driven finish with an elegant oakiness that lingers. A classic Saint-Chinian, boasting a rich intensity that seduces rather than overwhelms with power. This  wine is clearly worth aging, yet its friendly and inviting nature makes it immensely enjoyable in its youth.

2022 Vignoble Belot, Best of Belot, Saint-Chinian         

90% Syrah, 10% Grenache Noir          14.5˚ ABV

A brilliant and crystalline aspect, revealing an intense ruby robe with a black center, signaling depth and concentration. The nose is young, fresh, and intense, yet displays a generous and profound character. A balanced and expressive profile unfolds, led by blackberry, black cherry, and black currants, intertwined with floral hints of violets and dusty earthy undertones of bramble. Spices emerge gracefully, featuring crushed black peppercorn, dried sage, and marjoram, adding intrigue and complexity. Upon tasting, the wine is fresh with a rich acidity, delivering a perception of alcohol that integrates seamlessly into its elegant and sophisticated profile. It carries powerful intensity, structured by robust, velvety tannins that enhance its presence. The oak application is balanced and mellow, complementing the layers of fruit and spice. The finish is long and complex, leaving a lasting impression. This is a classic Saint-Chinian, crafted with bold extraction and extended hang time, resulting in a wine of true intensity. As it matures, the perception of alcohol will soften, allowing esters to enhance its complexity. This fine wine promises remarkable aging potential, destined to evolve into a great cellar-worthy expression.

2022 Domaine des Paissels, Les Païssels, Saint-Chinian              

35% Syrah, 15% Grenache Noir, 15% Mourvèdre, 35% Carignan Noir          14.5˚ ABV

The wine discloses a crystalline and brilliant presence, unveiling an intense purple robe with a black center, exuding both depth and concentration. The nose is young, fresh, and robust, with an aromatic generosity that hints at future development. A promising and expressive bouquet emerges, featuring blackberry and black cherry, followed by the rich cassis that lingers on the palate. Floral and herbal layers of rose petals, woodruff, and powdered sage add sophistication and complexity. On the palate, the wine demonstrates robust intensity, framed by rustic tannins that provide structure and grip. The moderate-intensity, mature high-toast oak integrates effortlessly, enhancing the depth of flavor. A very long, round finish carries the fruit and spice forward, leaving a lasting impression. The fruity richness and structural intensity of this wine reflect its great integrity and seamless harmony. It is a classic Saint-Chinian, bearing the bold personality of the wines from the 1980s and 1990s, yet distinguished by a modern edge in its specificity of flavor. An outstanding wine with exceptional balance, it offers immediate drinkability while holding remarkable aging potential, making it a perfect candidate for long-term cellaring.

Exceptional and delicious wines

2023 Domaine les Asphodèles, Nicasio, Saint-Chinian         

60% Syrah, 20% Grenache Noir, 20% Carignan          15˚ ABV

It presents a brilliant and crystalline aspect revealing an intense eggplant robe with a broad black center, signaling depth and concentration. The nose is young, fresh, and intense, yet expressive, generous, and profound. Its promising complexity unfolds with layers of raspberry, blackberry, and black cherry, accompanied by the juiciness of fresh raisins. The vinous depth of old-vine Carignan adds intrigue, while rose petals, crushed black peppercorns, and woodruff contribute floral and spicy sophistication. This wine offers a youthful freshness with great intensity, delivering a luscious and opulent mouthfeel. It is sophisticated and complex, structured by robust, textured, velvet tannins. The finish is very long and fruit-driven, carried by a tannic backbone and the presence of intense, tight-grained sweet oak that lingers elegantly. An exceptional Saint-Chinian, evoking the essence of the region’s finest traditions. Luscious yet balanced, this wine maintains complete control over its power and intensity. At 15˚ ABV, there is no trace of excess alcohol, only the pleasure of its superb craftsmanship. Its richness is indulgent, yet never overwhelming, making it a exceptional expression with both immediate drinkability and long-term aging potential.