The legend of Vinus, the Heron, started on the Hérault River banks, at the foot of Château Paul Mas in Pézenas. The story goes that Vinus the heron preferred eating grapes grown on clay & limestone hills of the hillsides of the Hérault Valley to the fish form the river. Domaines Paul Mas adopted Vinus as its emblem, symbolizing the quality that this hillside site can produce. The vineyards yield small quantities of grapes, concentrated in both color and aroma, resulting in wines which are true to the terroir.
This Spring we were offered the chance to bring the Vinus wines to Massachusetts for our customers and we jumped at the opportunity. What intrigued us about these wines is the purity of the group as a whole. These are all wines that correctly represent the grape variety they are made from, they look like they should, they smell like they should and most importantly they taste like they should! These wines represent incredibly good values as well, they can compete with any other wine of the type and price range.
Vinus wines are all unoaked fresh and clean examples of their respective grape varieties, Vinus wines deliver excellent every day wines.
Chardonnay 2018– bright yellow, lactic yeast and apple aromas make for an inviting nose. Followed by a soft entry this is VERY likeable Chardonnay, while unoaked it isn’t just acid juice, this has a lovely texture and good balance.
Pinot Noir 2018– gorgeous ruby red color, fresh bright aromas of cherry and cranberry. Silky texture, fruit of the aroma lives in the mouth too, great freshness and balance, very Pinot Noir- there isn’t better $10 Pinot Noir in our offerings.
Cabernet Sauvignon 2018– dark red hinting at purple, classic Cab aromas cassis, tobacco, herbal notes. Round entry, excellent fruit turning earthy on the palate, I like the tannin that comes on in the finish, it makes this very Cab!
Vinus Reserve- oaked and serious with more body and substance, Vinus Reserve wines grab your attention and keep it throughout a meal.
Chardonnay 2018– bright gold, subtle oak on the nose with apple and even ripe pineapple showing through. Forward and easy to like, but retaining a classic French Chardonnay sensibility, the oak never oversteps its invitation, giving depth and texture to the long fresh finish.
Pinot Noir 2018– ruby red, totally attractive color, red and black cherries on the nose. Excellent entry fruit and earth with bass tone from the oak, silky texture, and a finish that lasts. Very well made wine.
