Pays d'Hérault 1ha30 Clos Domaine Mas Haut Buis 2017

Mas Haut Buis, located in La Vacquerie (at an altitude of 650m) in the middle of the Terrasses du Larzac, has been owned by Olivier Jeantet since 1999. The vineyards cover 14 hectares, divided into a dozen or so parcels. The majority of the vineyard consists of old vines (more than 70 years), and the grapes are split between Grenache (dominant), Carignan and Syrah for the red wines, and Roussanne and Chardonnay for the whites. The domain has operated organically from the start, and is now certified (Ecocert). In the winery, Olivier Jeantet favours demi-muid barrels (300, 400 and 500 litres) and 2000-litre Stockinger tuns. He has also acquired tapered concrete tanks which enable much more gentle extractions. Vinification uses native yeasts, and the wines are neither fined nor filtered. There is no doubt that Olivier Jeantet's Mas Haut Buis has now attained the status of Terrasses du Larzac royalty, thanks to his unfussy wines which have great refinement yet plenty of personality, and no lack of freshness.

Astonishingly for the region, the property's youngest wine is made with pure Merlot. It is vinified naturally with indigenous yeasts and matured in tanks for six months to preserve its fresh aromas and flavours. Its deliciously juicy palate and crisp tannins make for a very moreish and easy to drink wine.