2018 Domaine de la Grange des Peres, Pays d'Herault, Rouge

Only a few wineries have ever achieved cult status. Fewer of them have had a more challenging climb to superstardom than Laurent Vaillé of Domaine de la Grange des Pères. His estate hails from Languedoc-Roussillon, a region with poor soils and unforgiving limestone. However, with the help of bulldozers and a little dynamite, Vaillé found world-class terroir. Combine that with his meticulous winemaking practices and extremely low yields, and Grange des Pères ranks among the most in-demand names in the world. Vaillé tinkers with the blend until it piques his satisfaction. That usually includes 40 syrah, 40 mourvèdre, 10 counoise, and 10 cabernet sauvignon. The resulting wine transcends its appellation with jammy layers of red fruits, violets, tobacco, spice, and smoked meats. A firm tannic backbone frames the concentrated core, leading to a savory finish. Do not hesitate to snag a bottle (or two) of this red blend. With no export manager, marketing, or tasting room, opportunities to invest in Domaine de la Grange des Pères Rouge are far and few. The Final Sip: Domaine de la Grange des Pères Rouge is everything that a cult wine should be – outstanding terroir, world-class winemaking, no-frills marketing, and demand that far exceeds supply.