Les Creisses Les Brunes Magnum 2023

Domaine Les Creisses is a nineteenth century family estate set between the Mediterranean and the hills, just west of Pézenas in the Languedoc. Run since 1998 by Philippe Chesnelong with his cousin Louis Mitjavile, a respected winemaker from the Bordeaux right bank, it produces ripe, polished reds in the IGP Pays d'Oc. Les Brunes blends Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah grown on stony, well-drained soils in a warm Mediterranean climate, where long, sunny days bring the fruit to full ripeness at 14.5 percent while sea breezes and cooler nights keep freshness. The grapes are sustainably farmed and the wine is aged for eighteen months in French oak barrels, where slow oxygen exchange rounds the tannins and adds a smoky, spiced frame in the Mitjavile style of ripe, late-picked fruit. This magnum holds the same wine in a larger format that ages more slowly. The wine is deep purple, with a nose of black plum, blackberry and pepper over dark chocolate, smoke and oak. The palate is full and structured, with firm ripe tannins, fresh acidity and a long, savoury finish. Serve at 17 degrees, decanted ahead, with grilled and roasted meats.