The second bottle of Southern French red wine I opened this summer carries an enigmatic name: 2006 “G16 et demi” (G16 and a half) from Domaine Navarre in Saint-Chinian. I haven’t exactly found out the meaning of it, but I assume the G stands for Grenache. But does the name have any importance after all? Let’s rather check the content. Dark Colour. Nose of blackberries or other dark berries plus something floral reminding violets. On the palate at the same time juicy of blackberry fruit and powerful. This balance is also ensured by a nice acidity which is underpinning the fruit. Then, a touch of smokiness and a pinch of spices give the wine the typical Saint-Chinian personality (as opposed to the Faugères appelation which is more round and less spicy in its aromatics. When I lived in Montpellier, and us students were heading to get some cheap but reliably solid wine, it always led to a choice between Saint-Chinian and Faugères). Length is medium long and with a touch of alcohol heat but at the same time also quite aromatic with the spice lingering on. A solid summer red! 86-87.
