Les Tannes en Occitanie Cabernet Sauvignon 2018
Full-bodied red wine · Domaines Paul Mas (Jean-Claude Mas)
Vintage: 2018
Type
Full-bodied red wine
Producer
Domaines Paul Mas (Jean-Claude Mas)
Country
France
Vintage
2018
Region & Appellation
Languedoc, IGP Pays d'Oc, Southern France
Grape Varieties
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, showcasing ripe cassis, green bell pepper notes, and structured tannins adapted to the Mediterranean sun.
Color & Appearance
Deep ruby core with a youthful garnet rim, clear and bright with medium-plus viscosity and slow-moving legs indicating good concentration and ripeness.
Aroma Profile
Pronounced intensity featuring primary aromas of blackcurrant, black cherry, and bramble, complemented by secondary notes of subtle vanilla and toast from brief oak contact, and tertiary nuances of graphite and eucalyptus.
Tasting Notes
A generous and inviting entry that expands on the mid-palate with lush dark fruit and spices, leading to a lingering, structured finish with gentle warmth and balanced acidity.
Flavor Profile
Flavors of ripe black cherry, blackcurrant, cassis, and sweet bell pepper, layered with subtle hints of cedar, tobacco leaf, and Mediterranean herbs.
Body & Texture
Medium to full-bodied with a smooth, velvety texture, polished tannins, and a supple mouthfeel that offers approachability without sacrificing structure.
Acidity & Tannins
Medium acidity providing a refreshing frame for the rich fruit, paired with fine-grained, ripe tannins that offer pleasant grip without harsh astringency.
Sweetness Level
Dry, with less than 3 g/L residual sugar, balanced harmoniously by ripe fruit flavors and moderate acidity.
Alcohol Content
13.5% ABV, offering a warming mouthfeel characteristic of southern French Cabernet Sauvignon without feeling overly heavy.
Aging & Oak
Aged partially in oak barrels for a few months to impart subtle complexity and spice, while retaining the fresh varietal character of the grape through stainless steel fermentation.
Food Pairings
Ideal for autumn dining, pairing wonderfully with roasted lamb shoulder, grilled ribeye steak, hearty mushroom stews, or semi-hard cheeses like Gouda and Cheddar.
Serving Suggestions
Serve at 16-18°C (60-64°F) in a standard Bordeaux glass. Decanting for 30 minutes will help open up the aromatics.
Price Range
$12 - $18 USD, representing outstanding value for everyday drinking and casual dining.
Quality Assessment
Estimated score of 87-89 points, classified as a reliable, premium everyday wine that delivers classic varietal character at an accessible price point.
Production Methods
Destemmed and crushed grapes fermented in temperature-controlled stainless steel vats with traditional pump-overs, followed by short oak maturation to preserve fruit purity.
Terroir
Clay-limestone soils mixed with ancient alluvial deposits under a warm Mediterranean climate with ample sunshine and cooling maritime influences from the Mediterranean Sea.
History & Heritage
Domaines Paul Mas was founded by Paul Mas in the Languedoc, blending traditional old-world winemaking with modern techniques to champion the 'New Renaissance' of southern French wines.
Interesting Facts
The name 'Les Tannes' refers to the ancient oak trees ('tan') found in the region, and Jean-Claude Mas is a pioneer of sustainable and eco-friendly viticulture in the Languedoc.
Cellaring Potential
Best enjoyed within 3 to 5 years of the vintage to appreciate its vibrant fruit, though it can hold nicely for up to 6 years under proper cellar conditions.
Similar Wines
Other Languedoc Cabernet Sauvignons or value-driven Bordeaux crus, such as Gerard Bertrand Réserve Spéciale Cabernet Sauvignon or Baron de Ley Rioja Reserva.