2006 Sainte-Croix Vin de Pays D'oc

This wine is 50% syrah and 50% merlot. The nose is big with black fruits and hints of fennel and anise. On the palate it is a little thin with a very short finish. It has a nice acidity that attacks the palate in a pleasant way. Flavors of black cherries, blackberries and brambleberries hit you right up front. A nice 87 point effort for only $5 !!! Watch more.

Languedoc

2003 Mas de la Barben syrah blend from Languedoc. This was a bit of a disappointment. I expected better from this wine. I could tell straight away when I poured it in the glass that it would not live up to expectations. It had a red brick color that was a little on the light side. The nose was vegetative with spice and a strange chemical component. Someone described insecticide for this wine and I think it does remind me of an ant spry we used to use. It was funky on the palate as well with barnyard and leather flavors. It had a good acidity and a pretty nice up front attack but the good flavors disappeared rather quickly leaving you with the taste like licking a saddle. Certainly an unusual wine. It is just ok. I don't think I would buy it again.