Domaine Lafage spans over 160 hectares of vines, many of them older than half a century. But more than the scale or age of the vines, what sets Lafage apart is its deep commitment to regenerative agriculture. Rather than simply sustaining the land, Jean-Marc and his team are actively healing it—reviving soil vitality, increasing biodiversity, sequestering carbon, and restoring natural cycles that industrial agriculture too often disrupts.
A few years ago when a plot of Grenache named La Narassa was accidentally missed at harvest. Despite having reached a level of over-ripeness, Jean-Marc coaxed the fermentation along and discovered that while rich and decadent, the wine also maintained a juicy freshness. Now La Narassa is made intentionally in a semi-ripasso style by harvesting Grenache (70%) from around Maury in several passes choosing only the ripest clusters, and combining it with Syrah (30%) from their highest vineyard site at 540m. Upon arriving at the cellar, the fruit is destemmed and only the best berries are chosen for fermentation after a short pre-fermentation maceration
The nose is dominated by lots of pure blackberry, crushed herbs, earth and peppery characteristics. The mouth is full bodied, very rich with soft and fine tannins. The finish is fresh with a surprising elegance.
92 James Suckling Structured and profound, showing dark plums, blackberries, cocoa and baking spices. Full-bodied with creamy texture and tannins. Polished and well-built, with a dense, persistent finish. Drink or hold.
90 Wine Enthusiast Lush aromas of cinnamon, star anise and caramel give a rich spiciness to the ripe aromas of strawberry and black plum on the lavish nose of this bottling. The palate is very unctuous as well, with licorice, spice cake and baked strawberry flavors.
