At first sip, there was absolutely no doubt about the origin of this wine. Loaded with dark berry fruit, local herbs, black olives. pepper etc. Quite complex and very approachable. A wonderful authentic expression of the region. A little more length would have pushed this over 90pts, but for $15.95, who's complaining? Super value. drink now or over the next couple of years. Tasted April 2013.

The 2009 Château Agnel Cuvée Philippe Minervois, composed of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre and Carignan of undisclosed proportions and aged in French Oak barrels, has intense aromas of blackberry and wood with subtle dark chocolate, raspberry and yeasty notes. It is a medium bodied, extra-dry, fruity to integrated wine; with good, refreshing acidity, dusty/grippy tannins (decant for 1-2 hours) and a medium to long finish. Enjoy by itself or with food; drinks well now, but would benefit from further aging – drink 2015-2020. My impression: NICE, 89 pts – recommended for its quality and value – especially that it is now on Bin-end Clearance. Tasted Feb/14.

See my wine recommendations readily available at the LCBO here:

http://grapeselections.com/grapeselections

or here @

http://www.winealign.com/wino/dantrcka/recommended-wines-you-can-still-buy