The Le Chat Noir Shiraz is sourced from the cool climate Aude Valley. The rich and full Shiraz is given softness and lift with the addition of a small amount of Viognier. Totally de-stemmed and co-fermented with a long, cool maceration with regular pumping over and cap plunging. Maturation is primarily in stainless steel with roughly one third undergoes carbonic maceration aiding aromatics and fruit expression. A further third receives six month maturation in French oak barrels for greater complexity. Still quite tight and brooding with a depth of dark fruit aromas and spice. The palate is ripe and full with beautifully textured and flavoured berry fruit. A balanced and fruit focussed wine that finishes with soft tannins and a delicate Viognier lift.
More terrific value from the little black cat. Meaty and peppery with black and blue fruits and the perfume of thyme and flowers. It’s fresh and vibrant, of medium weight, with pulpy purple fruit, plenty of fine chalky tannin and a spicy finish of good length. Tannic to finish, but in a positive way that cleans up after food. Complexity and value. Great to see a wine that’s not tiring to drink or trying too hard. 91 points; The Wine Front
Black fruits and granite, earth and spice, raspberry, baked meats, cinnamon all ensure a nose of decent complexity for a wine of the price. Texturally it delivers, some dark fruit, damson, plum, bitter chocolate. There’s some savoury spice and again like the Pinot some granular tannins and a really, clean acid finish with decent persistence. Jump in at the price, it’s there for the taking. If you see these black cats on your travels take it as a good omen. Wining Pom