Domaine Jones in London

Katie Jones was in London last month and showing her most recent vintages at the Maison du Languedoc one evening, so I popped in for a quick update.  In fact Katie gave quite a comprehensive and entertaining presentation of her wines, relating anecdotes about life in a small French village off the beaten track.  Three things occupy the villagers of Tuchan, namely rugby, wine and la chasse.   Wild boar are particularly partial to ripe Muscat grapes.   And Katie talked about buying her first vineyards – blame her parents, who happened to mention that they rather fancied having a vineyard in the south of France.   And since that first purchase, she has gradually acquired several plots of old vines.

2014 Jones Blanc,  Grenache Gris Côtes Catalanes

Rounded leafy herbal fruit on both nose and palate.   Quite a firm youthful finish, but with lovely acidity and nicely mouth filling.  I am becoming ever more enthusiastic about Grenache Gris; it really is an exciting grape variety.  13.5⁰

2014 Carignan Gris, Vieilles Vignes.

Quite a delicate nose, with quite firm fruit on the palate.  Again very good acidity; that is what Carignan is known for, giving good structure and freshness.   A lovely example of a forgotten grape variety, that is even rarer than Carignan Blanc.  Fully deserving of a revival.  13⁰

2014 Maccabeu Vieilles Vignes

Light dry herbal nose; quite delicate.  A rounded palate, with some body and soft fruit, with a firm finish.    It is unusual to have Maccabeu as a single varietal, but this works very well.  14⁰

2013 Jones Rouge, Grenache Noir, Côtes Catalanes

Medium red colour.  Fresh cherry fruit on the nose.  Medium weight palate, with more fresh cherry fruit, and a touch of pepper.  Young and fresh and lightly spicy.  

2013 Fitou

A blend of Carignan, Grenache and Syrah.  Medium colour.  Quite rich peppery fruit on the nose and quite a firm sturdy palate.  Gusty and concentrated, with firm stony minerality.  Youthful and characterful with plenty of potential.  14.5⁰

2013 Carignan Noir, Côtes Catalanes.

Quite a deep young colour.  Quite a firm sturdy nose and palate.  Sturdy ripe red fruit.  Firm tannins, youthful spice.  Good weight and nicely balanced. 

In short, six splendidly characterful wines.   Do check out Katie’s website www.domainejones.com and consider joining her wine club La Gare du Vin Club