2007 Domaine de Trevallon, Rouge, Alpilles IGP

Eloi Durrbach had the inspired idea to plant his family estate near Les Baux with Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah in 1974, when such varieties were scarce in Provence. The first vintage was 1978 and Trévallon was soon recognised as an outstanding and consistent wine. The 2007 is no exception. The vibrant and charming nose shows sweet generous blackcurrant fruit with no trace of gaminess. The attack is still fresh and concentrated, with tannins still present to give structure. Cabernet seems to dominate, and the palate still has freshness and zest. Long.

Beetroot, game, rich black fruit. The tannins seem perhaps to be a little sticky considering the bottle age, with the primary fruit having dried out leaving quite a formidable structure. Still plenty of flavour concentration, but I wouldn’t want this to get any less fruity. (RH)