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High in the catalan hills of southern france everything struggles to survive ... Although this means low yields from the struggling vines, the grapes that are produced are seriously concentrated and packed with flavour. The 2006 vintage was particularly fine, with hot sunny days, but deliciously cool nights and this year the grenache grapes gave a magnificently opulent dark, luxuriously smooth wine. The wine was destined for big, powerful, and ever-popular, xv du president. But, as some of the ancient vines actually yielded fruit well over the 15% alcohol level, in 2006 the winemaker decided to vinify it separately and make a limited edition wine - rechristened xvi - as these big bottles weigh in at an awesome 16%. Seriously good stuff! |
