6DEC12 Domaine Moulin Nouvel “L’Antagoniste“ CABERNET SAUVIGNON, Roussillon, France 2023 (F, O)
4 and 6 bottle levels $24 (member price $21)
100% Cabernet Sauvignon 15.0% ABV
Domaine Moulin Nouvel is located in Peyrac-Minervois, 30 minutes north of the medieval city of Carcassone, France. The topography makes it one of the cooler climate parts of the region, with ideal conditions for slow, even ripening of Cabernet Sauvignon grapes. Minervois is their best seller, but their Cabernet Sauvignon is gaining ground, as Guillaume Andre (3rd generation owner) realized that most of his vineyard is better suited for this classic Bordeaux varietal than for Grenache, Syrah, etc. Aged in French oak (mostly neutral). Blackberry, black raspberry, red cherry, anise, cinnamon, whiff of jalapeño. This is another December French wine that California drinkers would enjoy.
Food Pairing Suggestions:
This lush red perfectly complements dishes that are equally rich in flavor such as sticky barbecued baby back ribs, grilled pepper-crusted steaks topped with Gorgonzola butter, saucy pulled pork barbecue, burgers topped with sharp Cheddar, smoky bacon and caramelized onions, grilled leg of lamb stuffed with garlic and herbs, spaghetti Bolognese, and roasted quail over hazelnut risotto. This smooth red also stands up to spicy foods like pork tacos al pastor, cajun-style seared salmon, steak asado fajitas, carnitas, Chinese grilled eggplant with spicy garlic sauce, and Szechuan beef stir fry over white rice. Or simply savor the decadence on its own or with a sliver of Abbaye de Belloc, Comté Reserve, smoky Spanish Idizabal or Rogue River Blue.