Calmel & Joseph
An encounter with Daniel Lambert at a recent tasting of French wines, provided an opportunity for an update on his Languedoc agency, Calmel & Joseph. They produce a large range of wines, but Daniel was showing just a handful. I always enjoy talking to Daniel. He has a robust attitude to things, such as his comment on the aftermath of Brexit. We knew it was going to be a car crash but we were not expecting a multiply pile up on the M4 in the fog. He has subsequently moved his business to Montpellier and has ambitions to introduce the French to the wines of the New World.
2021 Villa Blanche Chardonnay
I am not usually very keen on Chardonnay from the Languedoc, given that Chablis is my preferred style of Chardonnay, but I have to admit that I rather liked this. There was rounded leesy oak on the nose and the palate had a good balance of acidity, with some mouthfeel and texture, as well as fruit. A long finish.
2021 Le Domaine, Le Penchant Roussanne
Light colour. Quite rounded leafy herbal notes on the nose and palate, with a joli amer, a nice bitterness, which made for a refreshing finish. Some satisfying herbal notes with white blossom.
2022 Ams Tram Gram Pomone
A blend of Terret Gris, Marsanne and Roussanne. An orange wine, macerated on the skins for three months. with a light orange colour and refreshing pithy fruit on the palate. Medium weight. A streak of tannin and some herbal fruit.
2020 Villa Blanche Syrah
Medium colour. Quite rounded and ripe on the nose. And some black olive and tapenade on the palate. Quite a firm dry peppery finish.
2019 Les Terroirs Cotes de Roussillon, le Petit Miracle
A blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Carignan. Medium colour. Quite a firm, tight nose. With a ripe, rounded warm spicy palate. Redolent of the warmth of Roussillon.
2019 les Crus, Pézenas, Entre Amis
A blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 20% Grenache. Medium colour. Dry spice and pepper on the nose and a medium weight palate with pepper and tannin. Still very youthful.
2018 Collioure, Les Cuvees Rares, les Elmes
Mourvèdre dominant, 50%, with some Carignan and Syrah. Medium colour. Quite a dry nose, with maturing cedary notes. An underlying warmth on the palate with some cedary spice. A serious mouthful, with some Mourvèdre elegance. Good length and depth. Very satisfying.
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