The perfect autumnal red
2004 Hegarty Chamans, Cuvée 1, Minervois, Languedoc, France (£15.50, Adnams Wines, 01502-727200,
www.adnams.co.uk
).
I have followed this estate's wines very closely since Sir John Hegarty and his partner, Philippa Crane, bought it in 2002. The transformation of the vineyards is still progressing, slowly and meticulously – this is a very painstaking process.
However, the biodynamic approach adopted by the owners cannot be rushed. The winery itself is a triumph of design, embracing the ancient former chais and its new ultra-cool extension.
Cuvée 1, their finest wine to date, is worthy of serious screenings. A syrah/carignan blend, classically made, this sumptuous red shows many more layers of fruit than you might expect to find in a top Châteauneuf.
There is an intensity of damsons and blackberries that is offset by a coolness of soil and elemental spice, which loads the palate with splendour and at the same time refreshes it. This makes for terrific excitement in the glass and it is the perfect autumnal red, so get on the blower today!
• Matthew Jukes is a winner of the International Wine & Spirit Competition's Communicator of the Year.