2005 Domaine du Clos des Fées Côtes du Roussillon Villages le Clos des Fées

During the visit, I was also able to taste some older vintages. Looking at the 2005 Côtes du Roussillon Villages Le Clos des Fées, this is sensational wine that’s aging gracefully. Loaded with cassis, black raspberry, roasted herbs and licorice, it still has solid structure and focus on the palate, as well one seriously hedonistic texture that caused me to write more than one “wow” in the notes. Drink it anytime over the coming decade.

One of the top 2-3 estates in the Roussillon, Domaine du Clos des Fées is run by the eccentric, yet dead serious Hervé Bizeul. In addition to the normal Roussillon Carignan, Grenache and Syrah releases, he’s branched out with a number of unconventional blends and varieties, and now releases a superb Cabernet Franc, an impressive Tempranillo, and a blockbuster Semillon (the Côtes Catalanes Le Clos des Fées Blanc) that needs to be tasted to be believed! On top of this, Bizeul is also involved with Domaine La Chique and Walden, both of which are reviewed in this report. Looking at his top two cuvees, the classically styled Le Clos des Fées is a blend of mostly Syrah, yet incorporates a splash of Grenache and Carignan. The elevage here is a combination of tank and new barrels, and this cuvee ages beautifully. The most expensive cuvee is the La Petite Sibérie, and this Grenache-dominated blend is distinctly different than the classic cuvee and is made in a full-throttle, ripe, and bombastic style. It’s definitely not for those seeking low alcohol or subtle flavors, yet like all great wines, it’s singular, stays balanced, lively and is a thrilling drink.