Lieux Dits
Lou Coucardié
Nostre Païs
The Varietals
Blanc de Blancs
2018

Wine Advocate – Interim October 2018


90 pts          2016    Michel Gassier Lou Coucardié Rouge

A Mourvèdre-led blend aged in demi-muids, the 2016 Costieres de Nimes Lou Coucardie features patisserie-like notes of baking spice and vanilla. It’s full-bodied, oaky and plush, with forward notes of dark fruit and decent freshness on the long finish.

91-93 pts     2017   Michel Gassier Lou Coucardié Rouge

Still aging in demi-muids, the 2017 Costieres de Nimes Lou Coucardie is full-bodied, rich and firm, with concentrated cherry and blueberry fruit. It might need another year or two to round into form, but it should drink well for nearly a decade.

92 pts           2017   Michel Gassier Lou Coucardié Blanc

Showing more of a toasty side (it’s all barrel-fermented, in a higher proportion of new oak than the Nostre Pais), the 2017 Costieres de Nimes Blanc Lou Coucardie boasts hints of orange marmalade, pineapple and apricot. A blend of 40% Roussanne, 30% Grenache Blanc, 20% Clairette and 10% Viognier, it’s medium to full-bodied with a plush mouthfeel, underscored by just a bit of lime zest on the lingering finish.

91 pts           2016  Michel Gassier Nostre Païs Rouge

A Grenache-led blend, the 2016 Costieres de Nimes Nostre Pais features compelling aromas of crushed stone, black olive and blueberry. It’s medium to full-bodied, with crunchy, fresh fruit and silky but firm tannins. It should drink well through 2025.

89-90 pts     2017  Michel Gassier Nostre Païs Rouge

The 2017 Costieres de Nimes Nostre Pais possesses a rich, creamy texture that showcases ripe blueberry fruit. It’s full-bodied and admirably concentrated, with a long finish.

92 pts          2017  Michel Gassier Nostre Païs Blanc

Michel Gassier’s whites continue to impress for their ripe textures, fruit expression and cleanliness. The 2017 Costieres de Nimes Blanc Nostre Pais is a blend of 45% Grenache Blanc, 30% Roussanne, 10% each Clairette and Viognier and 5% Bourboulenc. Half of the blend was barrel-fermented in 500-liter oak. Honeyed tangerines give a plump, fleshy sensation on the palate without being soft or cloying. It’s creamy and lush but balanced for immediate enjoyment.

89 pts          2016  Michel Gassier Syrah Rouge

The 2016 Costieres de Nimes Syrah is 90% Syrah and 10% Grenache. It’s a supple, gluggable style of easy-drinking Syrah, with blueberry fruit given savory touches of black olive and earth. Medium to full-bodied, it should drink well for 3-4 years, perhaps more.

88-90 pts     2017  Michel Gassier Syrah Rouge

Violets, cola and blueberries mingle easily in the 2017 Costieres de Nimes Syrah, which should represent an excellent value when it’s released in 2019. It’s plump, medium to full-bodied, with ample weight and a supple finish.

90 pts          2017  Michel Gassier Viognier Blanc

Showing genuine varietal expression, the 2017 Vin de France Viognier includes nuances of citrus blossom and ripe apricots. Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture and long on the finish, it’s a great introduction to the variety at a bargain price.

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