Proprietor and winemaker Daniel Laffite of Domaine des Soulanes is young, but he has learned many of the best methods from the old vignerons for making intense, bold wines with rich, deep aromas and flavors. Daniel grows Grenache and Carignan grapes from very old vines in his vineyards, located in the eastern end of the long valley around Maury. He blends the two grapes into his “Cuvée Jean Pull,” a remarkably delicious wine named after the old winemaker who owned the vineyards before Daniel. Similar to his older mentor, Daniel spends most of his time tending his old vines.

The surrounding countryside is pastoral and peaceful, with the Château de Quéribus fortress visible for many kilometers around. Because the Côtes Catalanes region in France is contiguous with the Catalonia region in Spain, a Mediterranean climate predominates, allowing grapes to achieve superior ripeness easily.

Made from a blend of 65% Grenache and 35% old-vines Carignan, this wine has heady aromas of blackberries, black currants, black plums, leather and spices. On the palate, its plush, juicy and welcoming personality lasts through a great finish. It’s a superb value that will pair with a wide range of casual fare with great panache. Try with pressed sandwiches, burgers, roast chicken with herbs or all sorts of white and red meat dishes.

—Chris

“Vaunting a nose of candied black fruits... Medium-bodied, creamy-textured, and pure, this wine reveals gorgeous depth of fruit. Blackberries, dark cherries, spices, and plums can be detected in its lush personality as well as in this wonderful value's lengthy finish.” —WA 89