Minervois La Laviniere, Chateau de Tholomies / 2017 / 75cl

Minervois received its AOC in 1985 but the growers in and around the village of La Laviniere have felt that their garrigue infused wines didn't sit happily with the other wines produced in the region.  With their fresher acidity, greater focus on high quality varietals, and big flavours they wanted to differentiate themselves from softer, earlier drinking wines coming from the rest of Minervois.  In 1999 their lobbying paid off and Minervois La Laviniere received their own AOC.

With its core of dark blackberry and blackcurrant fruit supported by softer, sweet red fruit this is a great example of the style.  There's a gentle spice and great freshness that's backed up by firm, ripe tannins.