2003 Domaine Ligneres, Aric ($22)

Wow - another winner from this producer, the vineyards we visited in 2008. Although 2003 was a scorcher in the Corbieres Mountains, as it was generally in most of southern France (Oc/Provence), this wine betrays little of that super-heat. You do have 14.5% abv, which is not exactly skimpy for a Corbieres - and technically this is a "vin de pays" because the Ligneres folks rightly take a u-turn around the silly AOC rules for strict "Corbieres" reds (and whites). Aric is a 1/3 (each) blend of C-M-S, Carignan, Mourvedre, and Syrah. It exhibits traits of each one, without showing the faults of any particular varietal. From the 115 year old carignan vines (photo), you get the lovely spicy, fruit; from the mourvedre, the herbal, plummy depths so common in the AOC of Bandol; and the Syrah chimes in with an earnest but tart blackberry fruit note that turns savory. Great nose: chocolate, red fruits, minerals. And the finish is balanced, crisp, and lip-smacking. More, please. 91/100.
Bottom line: If you can find this wine, buy it.