Paul Mas has always been ahead of the curve in the south of France in terms of marketing with brands such as Arrogant Frog, he was one of the first to employ an Australian flying wine-maker in the late eighties / early nineties and has always said to have combined New World wine-making attitudes with Old World Village appellation philosophy. However, Mas also produces more some traditional wines such as Pezanas and St Chinian AOC.
Château Paul Mas is part of the Domaines Paul Mas and now covers a surface of 22 hectares located on the hills between the Herault Valley and the Mediterranean coast near the villages of Montagnac and Sète. The vineyard enjoys a South, southwest exposure with the cooling influence of the sea. The Clos des Mûres vineyard is a specific vineyard of 11 hectares, part of the Château Paul Mas, surrounded by wild mulberry (mûres) plants – hence the name.
Clos des Mures is bottled as a Coteaux du Languedoc AOC and is a blend of Syrah 85%, Grenache 10% and Mourvedre 5% aged for 11 months in French and American Seguin Moreau and François Frére oak barrels.
Paul Mas Clos des Mures Tasting Notes
The 2010 is a clear dark red / black colour. The nose is very Rhone-ish with dark fruit (blackcurrants and blackberries) redcurrants, hints of smokey oak, violets and dark chocolate. It is full and rich on the palate, there are loads of blackcurrant fruit and liquorice notes with toasty oak and a long, spicy finish. It is reminiscent of Crozes Hermitage without some of the gamey notes. Try with duck or perhaps some sausages.
I have always enjoyed Paul Mas’s more expensive wines like this one and his Mas de Mas Pezenas but, unfortunately, it seems that they will no longer be exported to the UK, and there will be more concentration on his cheaper wines and varietal styles. A great shame – we only have a few bottles left now!
Alternative Wine Suggestion
Unfortunately, we are now sold out of this wine. If you are looking for a similar style of wine then look no further than some of Katie Jones’ wines, her Domaine Jones Vineyard Collection Syrah shows some similar intense, dark fruit, blackberries and a hint of mint.