90 Points -  Robert Parker - Légende is made from an old vineyard plot dating back to 1949 where the first ever dry Maury wine was produced. The soil is tilled by Comtois draught horses Rambo and Vagabond, and the blend is Grenache Noir (80%) and Carignan (20%), after being hand harvested, twice sorted and fully de-stemmed. The result is a wine with great aromatic depth. 

About the Producer

A story that began when, in 1816, Raymond Amiel won the deeds to this property from the Bishop of Perpignan over a game of cards. Then a mere 10 hectares, the fortunes of the estate have waxed and waned over the ensuing 200 years. Wiped out by the phylloxera epidemic in the late 19th century, replanted then lost to a wine trade crisis, it was aquired by a certain Charles Dupuy in the early 20th century. It was he who founded the Mas Amiel brand, and the family continued to run the estate until the death of his grandson, also Charles, in 1997. The estate is now owned and run by Olivier Decelle who has done much to raise its profile, both qualitatively and commercially, and it is now the leading producer of Vins Doux Naturels in the area. In 2011 the new appellation of AOC Maury Sec was created to recognise the high quality of dry Maury wines vinified in the area, and Mas Amiel was the first producer to launch a wine under this designation.

Taste

Winemakers tasting notes: Melted tannins, expressing intrinsic freshness and vivacity. They are powdery with good presence, but always very refined. Richness, strength and great aromatic depth are the features of these old Grenache and Carignan vines planted in calcium- rich schist. Food pairing: Lamb tagine & beef stews.

Awards / Wine Press

ROBERT PARKER 90 PTS

RVF (REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE) 15.5/20