Introduction:
The 2022 Jeff Carrel Les Darons Languedoc Rouge AOP is a bold and expressive red blend from southern France. Centered around old-vine Grenache, this wine showcases the warmth and richness of the Languedoc terroir, wrapped in a smooth, modern style.

Terrior:
Sourced from vineyards in the western Languedoc with clay-limestone soils and Mediterranean climate influences. These conditions allow for optimal ripening and bring out the intense fruit character while preserving freshness and structure.

Appearance:
Deep ruby red with violet highlights, youthful and vibrant in the glass.

Nose:
Aromatic with ripe black cherry, raspberry, and plum, underlined by hints of garrigue, black pepper, and a light touch of licorice.

Palate:
Full-bodied and fruit-forward, with juicy dark berries, baking spices, and a touch of dried herbs. Supple tannins and well-integrated acidity give it balance and a plush, easygoing texture.

Finish:
Smooth and persistent, with a savory note and lingering red fruit and spice.

Overall Impression:
The 2022 Les Darons is a crowd-pleasing, well-made Languedoc red that overdelivers on quality. It's approachable enough for casual meals yet structured enough to pair with grilled meats, stews, and Mediterranean fare.

Press:
92-94 points, Jeb Dunnuck:
"The 2022 Languedoc Les Darons brings density and richness, with ripe black cherries, wild strawberries, ground pepper, and floral notes in a medium to full-bodied, pure, beautifully balanced package. The purity and balance here are top-notch. The blend is 70% grenache, 25% syrah, and the rest carignan, from old vines, with the aging in concrete. This is going to be a smoking value."

92 points, James Suckling:
"A well-made red with notes of cherries, blueberries, stones, and black pepper. Medium body with fine, firm tannins. Textured and balanced with a compact and juicy peppery finish. Drink or hold."

Alcohol by Volume (ABV %): 14.0%
Farming Practices: Sustainable
Producer Name: Jeff Carrel
Old World / New World: Old World
Country of Origin: France
Region: Languedoc
Grape Varietals: 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Carignan
Vintage: 2022
Wine Style: Dry, full-bodied red wine
Winemaking Techniques: Traditional fermentation with extended maceration; aged partially in concrete and used oak barrels
Pack Size: 750 ml bottle
Container Style: Bordeaux-style bottle
Closure Style: Cork