Today, Jean-Marie has 20 hectares spread amongst 40 diverse parcels each with different soil compositions and expositions. He respects and utilizes the natural vitality of the land by foregoing any herbicides or pesticides and employs only naturally occurring yeasts. His wines are a passionate testament to this region’s multi-dimensionality and ever-expanding potential, reflecting the younger generation of renegade winemakers who have recently made Saint Chinian home.

Composed of equal parts ancient Carignan, Syrah, and Grenache, the Le Mas au Schist is almost black in the glass with a slight suggestion of purple ink when held up to the light. The intense nose is dominated by red fruit, cherry liqueur, blueberry jam and loads of crushed stone with tones of black olive, spiced hummus and animal fur. The palate is a generous expression of ripe and forward red and black fruit flavors that are steeped in dynamic mineral-infused cocoa tones. As in all of Jean-Marie’s wines, the flavors are remarkable for their depth and complexity of terroir infused fruit. Rich and powerful, yet readily accessible, this cuvée is drinking beautifully right now. Enjoy it tonight with herb encrusted roast chicken, grilled steak or leg of lamb.

—Donald