France — wine

Pic Saint-Loup AOC

Languedoc's most dynamic and respected AOC at the foot of the dramatic Pic Saint-Loup mountain north of Montpellier; limestone soils at 150-400m altitude; Syrah and Grenache dominant for reds and rosés; the altitude and north-facing slopes provide freshness unusual in southern French wine. Considered the appellation that best represents Languedoc's potential for elegant, age-worthy reds.

Year Rating Notes
2024 Cool Cévennes winds preserved freshness; Syrah aromatics outstanding.
2023 Benchmark Pic Saint-Loup vintage; wines of rare elegance for the latitude.
2022 Warm conditions; altitude moderated; Syrah and Grenache both successful; structured wines with depth
2021 Good year; cool north-facing vineyards; Syrah shows precision; Grenache fragrant; good food wines
2020 Excellent; altitude freshness perfectly balanced ripeness; benchmark Pic Saint-Loup vintage
2019 Good growing season; limestone mineral well-expressed; Syrah shows pepper and violet; elegant reds
2018 Warm year; Syrah and Grenache achieve full ripeness; intense dark fruit with freshness from altitude