Last February, Birte Jantzen was welcomed in Languedoc-Roussilon for an exceptional tasting to compose a report for a worldwide review JebDunnuck.com.
Jeb Dunnuck is a well-known wine critic who worked for Wine Advocate from 2013 to 2017. He decided to become independent to publish his own papers.
Birte Jantzen recently joined Jeb Dunnuck’s team. She oversees Languedoc-Roussillon tasting and others. Before, she was a critic for Bettane & Desseauve from 2016 to 2019. She is an independent journalist too and takes part in articles writing for “Vigneron” magazine, “Vinum” and “Fine das Weinmagazin”.
During her visit to Languedoc, she tasted about 700 wines from 273 producers. To conclude this flight, she wrote a report about the region specificities and the last vintages (paid article).
The Domaine Delmas took part in the tasting and our white wines shined!
Le Grand Saut 2020 – 89/100
A pure Pinot Noir from the south and aged 12 months in oak barrels, the 2020 Haute Vallée De L’Aude Le Grand Saut shows confected fruit, strawberry, fine leather, tobacco and emerging tertiary aromas. The finish is tight, the tannins are velvety, the finish is a little too short, but it is a fully blossomed red that is absolutely ready to drink Drink 2025-2032.
Le Passeur 2020 – 97/100
Pure Chardonnay, aged for 12 months in oak barrels, the 2020 Limoux Le Passeur Blanc is simply magnificent and the best ambassador for the incredible white wine terroir of Limoux. Aged on fine lees, it displays toasted, lemony and salty notes, followed by peach, lemon, verbena, marzipan, elderflower and orange blossom, rounded off with a hint of beeswax. This is a complex white wine, nuanced like a mille-feuille, crisp and harmonious, with the youthfulness and deliciousness that Chardonnay is famous for. Its slightly phenolic finish adds an irresistible texture, and one can only melt away before this subtle beauty. Absolutely gorgeous. Drink 2025-2035.
L’Envol 2020 – 95/100
Aged for 12 months in oak barrels, only a selection of barrels are used in the blend of this 96% Mauzac – a rare grape variety – complemented by Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. The 2020 Limoux L’Envol Blanc is quite distinctive, with aromas of coconut, aniseed, lemon, bergamot, and lime blossom, complemented by salty, buttery, and subtle honey notes. With melt-in-the-mouth freshness and a slightly phenolic touch, it is very long on the palate, complex, delicious, very well-balanced, and a little cozy. This structured wine should be decanted to bring out its full potential. Drink 2025-2035.