Tasting - Les Crus Faugeres Baron Ermengaud Rouge

Name: Les Crus Faugeres Baron Ermengaud Rouge 2019
Variety: 80% Syrah, 10% Grenache, 5% Mourvèdre, and 5% Carignan Blend
Region: Faugères, Languedoc-Roussillon
Country: France
Price: $25

Wine Critic: "Les Crus Faugères is the only cooperative in this appellation, managing 2,223 acres or nearly half of Faugères’ vines. It puts out a vast array of labels, including Mas Olivier, also recommended here, but Baron Ermengaud was the standout for both its 2019 and 2018 reds. Mostly syrah (80 percent), with grenache, carignan and mourvèdre, all of it hand-harvested off schist parcels, the 2019 shines in its combination of earthiness and brightness. Lively acidity and herbal notes give it a just-picked freshness that energizes the red fruit; the clarity allows a clear view of the earth, too, in shades of schist and iron. It tastes like it’s from a place, with a sense of sun and garrigue that’s transporting." - Wine & Spirits Magazine (June 2021), 94 points

My Thoughts: Today I am drinking a blend from France. This wine was recommended to me from an employee at the local wine store! This bottle sports a blue exterior and has a label that combines old and new world wine label designs. First impressions: alcoholic! This wine says 14% alcohol but it feels like more. It has a lot of tannins and very smooth but it seems to be very one dimensional. There is no complexity to this bottle. Initial tastes include blueberry and strawberry. This wine is medium to full bodied and has a hint of spice. Overall, I think I will not buy this bottle again. There is too many options that are better at this price point.

I give it an 62/100.