Château Millegrand Mourral Grande Réserve 2012

<p> The owners of Millegrand, the Bonfils family, first employed Château Lafite’s Olivier Bayle to do the winemaking! These days his good work is continued by the talented Frédéric Aldebert. Since their arrival in 2003, sixth generation Jean-Michel Bonfils and his three sons – Jérôme, Olivier and Laurent – have renovated the 50 hectares of the vineyard and cellar at this deeply historic property. </p> <p> Minervois is part of the vast sun-baked vineyards of Languedoc-Roussillon, just inland from the Mediterranean at Narbonne, and east of the ancient fortress city of Carcassonne. It’s stony, hot and dry in summer. Think wild, herby scrubland, rocky outcrops, strong wins and high-altitude spots. You’re not near the sea, but Minervois feels fully “southern”. Head north-west and you’d reach Bordeaux. </p> <p> Syrah adds spice and pepper, and this upmarket example has intriguing notes of liquorice, aniseed and thyme as well as blackberry and plum. Serve with rare roast beef, lamb, game casserole or duck. </p>