Breaking with my usual rule, I mentioned S.C.V Castelmaure in Noel and Wine (December 2010) way before I tasted any of their wine, I was attracted by their labels, sense of design and the fact that Charlie Mingus tune was soundtrack on their site.
When I saw one of their creations, La Pompadour (2008), at a local wine store a couple weeks ago, I had to try it.
Castelmaure does not gloat, they describe their wines as 'vendanges humaines' (harvested by humans).
Not sure if they named La Pompadour in hommage to the marquise or to hairstyle.
This 50% Carignan, 30% Syrah, 20% Grenache brings garrigue to the table, nice legs and finish.
An honest wine, retails in the $17 range. I found it on sale for$13.
I stayed on the Corbieres path with Chateau de Treviac (2009), 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache…I did not pick the figs some ascribe to it on the aroma wheel, lush life, smooth lasting finish.
In her review of 2006 vintage, Natalie MacLean pairs it with herb roasted leg of lamb.
I paid $12 for this Chateau de Treviac.
Happy Corbieres!