Gerard Bertrand Clos d'Ora 2016

An extraordinary, deeply spiritual biodynamic red wine from a tiny nine-hectare walled vineyard, Gérard Bertrand Clos d'Ora 2016 delivers striking power blended with immense elegance. On the nose, it unveils an complex, aromatic tapestry of crushed blackcurrents, black cherries, wild Mediterranean garrigue herbs, incense, and subtle hints of dark chocolate. The full-bodied palate is sumptuously textured with remarkably melted, velvety tannins, balanced by a vibrant mineral tension and a very long, persistent finish showing complex layers of licorice and sweet baking spices.

Food Pairing: This exceptional wine pairs wonderfully with grilled or slow-cooked Aubrac beef, roasted game meats, rich lamb dishes, stews infused with rosemary, or intensely flavored aged cheeses.

96 Points - James Suckling

A precise and perfumed nose with red berries, herbs, smoke, cypress tree, roasted meat and peppercorns. Well-balanced and harmonious. It’s full-bodied with great restraint. Beautifully structured with velvety texture and a lively core of spices, herbs and wild berries, bringing vitality towards the succulent, dark berry, chocolate-like finish. From biodynamically grown grapes with Demeter certification. Drink or hold.

94 Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

From a vintage with very small yields, the 2016 Minervois la Liviniere Clos d'Ora may be even more concentrated than the rich 2015 or 2012. Brown sugar and caramelized notes accent notes of blackberries and charred wood. Super ripe—maybe even a bit over the top for some drinkers—this full-bodied, full-throttle wine is admittedly a bit much right now. Hold it for a few years to allow the oak to mellow and the fruit elements to come forward, including the intriguing note of licorice on the long finish.

94 Points - Wine Spectator

This generous red shows lots of finesse, with rich layers of cherry tart and raspberry compote flavors, infused with black tea, mocha and baking spice notes, structured by polished tannins and vivid acidity. Details of floral, olive and garrigue linger into the long finish. Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. Drink now through 2025.