Domaine de la Sauveuse

Domaine de la Sauveuse 2002
Côtes de Provence
[Around £5, Franglais; £9, 'France Galles' (www.francegalles.com/detail_3.asp?ID=52) ]

SAUVEUSE, MEANING spring, is what allows this 60ha organic estate to remain free from drought. This is a blend of low yields of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Mourvèdre.

Initially slightly buttery on the nose with cherry-flavoured 'Tunes' (lending that menthol quality), currants, new-ish French oak (from six months maturation) and spice (particularly nutmeg). It has firm tannins and a hint of green peppercorns too. Very robust and definitely well-made enough to last a good four-five years more.
Possibly this is one estate to watch. But first they need to get a competent label designer in...

This wine is darker than the picture suggests, though not black.
Also absolutely worth trying is the estate's rosé... dry, elegant and poised with absolutely no trace of nail-polish remover (acetone) so common in similar wines. Worked well with lightly battered cod and chips.