Domaine Elian Da Ros - Clos Baquey 2021
Domaine Elian Da Ros is a major reference in the Côtes du Marmandais, located in Cocumont, in the Southwest of France, at the crossroads of Bordeaux and Gascony influences. After working in Alsace, Elian Da Ros returned to his family lands and released his first vintage in 1998, with the ambition to reveal the full potential of this appellation which had long remained confidential. The estate now covers about 22 hectares of hillsides, spread between gravel and clay-limestone soils, with a long-standing organic and biodynamic management. This demanding approach results in precise, lively wines deeply linked to their origin. Clos Baquey represents one of the estate's most ambitious cuvées, coming from a single south-facing plot. It embodies a structured, deep, and elegant expression of the red Marmandais, combining Bordeaux grape varieties with local identity. Domaine Elian Da Ros Clos Baquey 2021 is thus a terroir-driven, age-worthy, and characterful wine, faithful to the winemaker's pursuit of finesse.
The Clos Baquey 2021 cuvée comes from a unique plot planted on clay-limestone soil, with a subsoil of limestone molasses, which gives the wine its tension, structure, and length. The blend brings together Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Abouriou, and Cabernet Sauvignon, four grape varieties that compose an expression that is both Southwest, fresh, and solidly built. Cabernet Franc provides aromatic lift, floral notes, and fine tannins, while Merlot adds volume, roundness, and softer flesh. Cabernet Sauvignon reinforces structure, depth, and aging potential, while Abouriou, a historic Marmandais variety, adds a more local, spicy, and robust dimension. The 2021 vintage, cooler than the previous sunny years, is particularly suited to a cuvée seeking balance between fruit, freshness, and finesse of extraction. The estate's style favors measured extraction to preserve the purity of the fruit and the precision of the tannin grain. Clos Baquey 2021 thus presents as a serious yet subtle red, still young, whose complexity will unfold over time.
On tasting, Domaine Elian Da Ros Clos Baquey 2021 shows a deep, bright red color with dark reflections. The nose may evoke black cherry, blackcurrant, blackberry, violet, pepper, sweet spices, and a slightly smoky note. On the palate, the wine is structured but supported by a clear freshness that balances the density of the material. The tannins are present, fine, and still young, outlining a serious framework without excessive hardness. The whole maintains a beautiful energy, with a spicy, floral, and slightly mineral finish, faithful to the clay-limestone character of the plot. This Côtes du Marmandais will ideally accompany grilled rib steak, duck breast, roasted lamb, game terrine, hare stew, or generous Southwest cuisine. It can be tasted after decanting but will gain harmony and depth with a few years in the cellar.
Grape varieties: Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Abouriou, Cabernet Sauvignon
