Domaine of the Bee Les Genoux IGP Côtes Catalanes 2019
Les Genoux was first launched in 2009, and is the Domaines top cuvée, made from the best barrels from the oldest and finest vineyard in Maury’s famous Coume de Roy. It is a ‘field blend’ (i.e. different grape varieties are all mixed together in the vineyard), with the majority being Grenache Noir, but with significant amounts of Carignan, Grenache Gris, and various unknown white grape varieties. The name "Les Genoux" (French for ‘The Knees’) was chosen as it is the very best wine the domaine can make and ties in nicely with the English vernacular, "The bee’s knees" an expression that means "the very best". The Domaine of the Bee Les Genoux is only produced in the best years and in limited bottle quantities. It is less intensely coloured than the regular Domaine of the Bee cuveé, as it contains 10-15% white and pink grapes. The nose is complex, perfumed, spicy and delicate. This year's use of a brand new 'Icone' barrel - Seguin Moreau's top-of-the-range longer-seasoned French oak has imparted a rich, generous vanilla-y nose, that almost resembles a Rioja Reserva but there are still the same layers of raspberry and wild strawberry, with wafts of rosemary and fennel. There's also hints of slatey minerals and even a note of iodine. Initially soft, and quite shy the palate slowly unveils an array of delicate red fruits like wild strawberries and red fruit pastilles. The gentle vanillas, and subtle seasoned oak cushion a delicate almost Pinot/Tempranillo fruit, and echoes of garrigue herbs and fennel keep intriguing a palate of surprising length and complexity.
