Jean-Benoit Cavalier - Chateau de Lascaux, Coteaux du Languedoc, Pic Saint Loup
One of the Languedoc’s best buys, across the board -- red, whites, and roses -- thanks to the hard work
of Jean-Benoit, who has been managing his family’s domaine for the past twenty years. Regularly singled
out for praise by Le Guide Hachette, Le Guide des Sommeliers, and The Wine Spectator.
Patricia and Daniel Domergue - Clos Centeilles, Minervois
The Domergues’ enthusiasm and expertise translate into complex wines brimming with
both sensuality and elegance. The wonderful cuvee Capitelle (pure Cinsault) bears
witness to the renaissance of varietals traditional in the Languedoc. Fashions
among wines may come and go with the seasons, but those of the Clos Centeilles
are classics.
Regis Loevenbruck - Chateau de Cruscades, Corbieres
This domaine of 40 hectares (a scant ten acres) -- is lucky to have been restored by
the talented Regis Loevenbruck, who conjures sumptuous, complex wines from a vast range of grapes (Syrah,
Carignan, Grenache, Mourvedre); the secret is in his time-consuming, tailor-made vinification, enhancing the
character of each of these varietals, and then in the skill with which he blends and ages them.
Jean Orliac - Domaine de l'Hortus, Coteaux du Languedoc - Pic Saint Loup
Some of the greatest wines to be found in Pic Saint Loup are produced by
this passionate winemaker, who created the 32-hectare vineyard twenty years ago.
Made from grenache, syrah and mourvedre, the reds are intense and display aromas of pepper,
black fruits and garrigue. The grande cuvee combines concentration and silky texture.