Variety: Syrah, Mourvedre, and Cabernet Sauvignon

Laurent Vaillé is one of those winemakers that only comes around once in a lifetime. Going against what surely seems like all the odds, he achieved his dream. Starting his wine career under some of the greats like that of Gerard Chave and Eloi Durrbach of Trevallon, he purchased some land in the appellation of l’Herault in 1989 with absolutely nothing. This area is likened to the Wild, Wild West of the wine world. The poor soil needed to be bulldozed and worked properly, but it proved to be such exceptional conditions for growing Syrah, Mourvedre, and Roussanne which he relied so heavily for his blends. He produced some of the greatest wines in the region, some even calling him the “Mozart of wine.” He passed in 2021; the world is unsure of what is to become of his wines.

Like the rest of southern France, the red wines of L’Herault are common blends of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre. Rather than being required to adhere to the AOP regulations, the L’Herault VDP has more lenient requirements, including use of international varieties. The 2014 was another incredible vintage from this producer that makes consistently great wines.