Press and awards

GAULTMILLAU WINE GUIDE 2012 - The Best wines from France

Not less than 3 wines from Mas Neuf have been Specially Selected ("Coup de Coeur") by the 2012 GaultMillau wine guide !

LATEST RATINGS FROM ROBERT PARKER

in the #197 October 2011 issue of The Wine Advocate
 

"This excellent Costieres de Nimes estate has fashioned an impressive portfolio of 2009s. Moreover, as with just about any wine from this appellation, prices are fair, making this a treasure-trove of value. "

2009 Mas Neuf - Armonio:  93 points.

“A stunning wine, the Vin de Pays d’Oc 2009 Armonio is a joint project of Luc Baudet and the well-known Mitjavile family of St.-Emilion who also own Terte-Roteboeuf. An amazing wine, this blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Merlot and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon spent nearly two years in Bordeaux barriques, and is no shy wine at 15% alcohol. It boasts an opaque ruby/purple color along with extraordinary aromas of kirsch, blackberries and smoky meats. Super-intense, rich and full-bodied, it tastes more like a great St.-Emilion than anything from the Costieres de Nimes. A glorious texture, full-bodied mouthfeel, a stunning finish and no hard edges suggest it will drink well over the next 7-8 years. Bravo!”

2010 Mas Neuf - white Compostelle:  90 points.

“From proprietor and vigneron, Luc Baudet, the 2010 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle Blanc, a blend of 90% Roussanne and 10% Viognier, is a seriously endowed white offering lots of rose petal, honeysuckle, lychee nut and apricot marmalade notes. With medium body, loads of fruit and good acidity as well as freshness, it should drink nicely for another year. ”

2009 Mas Neuf - red Compostelle:  89 points.

“The dense ruby/purple-colored 2009 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle (70% Syrah, 27% Mourvedre and 3% Grenache) possesses pure notes of red and black fruits, bouquet garni, pepper and subtle background smoke and oak notes. With good texture, flesh and richness, this impressively well-endowed Costieres de Nimes will drink well for 7-8 years. ”

2009 Mas Neuf - Avec des Si:    87+ points.
“A word of warning, the 2009 Costieres de Nimes Avec des Si should be fine with another year or two of bottle age, possibly meriting an outstanding score, but it was reduced when I tasted it, and I only saw it once. This 100% Syrah exhibits a dense ruby/purple color as well as lots of fruity blackberry and cassis flavors and good body, but the nose is knocked out because of the reductive aspects. There is admirable purity in the flavors (I don’t think the reduction carries that far) and aeration seems to help. Anyone drinking this wine over the near term is advised to decant it. ”

2009 Mas Neuf - La Mourvache:      89+ points.
“Made from equal parts Mourvedre and Grenache, the 2009 Costieres de Nimes La Mourvache's medium dark ruby color is followed by a big, sweet kiss of blueberry as well as kirsch, white chocolate, earth and spice. The Mourvedre component does not show as strongly in the aromatics and flavors as one would expect given the fact it represents half the blend. Made in a masculine/muscular style, it should age nicely for 5-7 years.”

JEB DUNNUCK - The Rhone Report

Issue #9, September 2011 - www.therhonereport.com

Run by the passionate Luc Baudet, this large estate is located in the southern portion of AOC and produces a wide range of wines, all of which are worth checking out. Website: www.chateau-mas-neuf.com

2010 Château Mas Neuf white Rhone Paradox:   >> 89 pts <<
A blend of 2/3 Grenache Blanc and 1/3 barrel fermented Roussanne, the 2010 white Rhone Paradox is a fresh, fragrant white with loads of citrus, white peach, well water, and wet stone aromatics on the nose. Bright, zesty, and refreshing on the palate, with vibrant acidity, medium body, and a smooth, easy drinking feel, this solid white will be extremely versatile with food, and should drink well for 2-3 years.

2010 Château Mas Neuf white Compostelle:   >> 90 pts <<
More serious and slightly more rich, the 2010 Compostelle, 90% Roussanne (barrel fermented) and 10% Viognier, delivers a complex, fresh bouquet with juicy pear, peach, flowers, and river rock-like qualities. While the Viognier shows up prominently at first, with a big blast of fruit and floral notes, more minerality and subtlety develops with air. On the palate, the wine is medium-bodied, seamless, and elegant, showing juicy acidity, a full, supple, round texture, and excellent length on the finish. I'm a fan and while I would drink bottles over the coming 2-3 years, this could have an interesting aging profile.

2010 Château Mas Neuf Rosé Rhone Paradox:   >> 88 pts <<
The 2010 Rhone Paradox Rosé is a blend of 55% Cinsault, 25% Mourvèdre, 10% Syrah, and 10% Grenache, that is made all from direct pressing (i.e. no saignée.) Very fresh and juicy, with cherry, mineral, rose, and spice aromas and flavors, medium body, and vibrant acidity that carries the palate, this is a solid, food-friendly rosé for drinking over the coming 6 to 12 months.
2010 Château Mas Neuf Rosé Compostelle:   >> 90 pts <<
With more Mourvèdre and some white grape varieties in the blend, the 2010 Compostelle Rosé shows a more mineral, firm profile with red currants, spice, and subtle wet stone aromatics on the nose. This leads to a medium-bodied, classically rosé that has solid acidity, plenty of fruit, and a dry, refreshing finish. While the Rhone Paradox Rosé is certainly delicious, I really like the focus and edge to this wine. It should drink well for 2-3 years.

2010 Château Mas Neuf red Rhone Paradox:   >> 88-90 pts <<
I tasted through a handful of samples destined for the red 2010 Rhone Paradox (all destemmed and aged in vat) and all showed superb purity of fruit, solid complexity and overall fresh, concentrated profiles. At the end of the day, this should be equivalent, or better than the ? 09, and have a 5-8 year drink window.

2009 Château Mas Neuf red Rhone Paradox:   >> 87 pts <<
Showing great aromatics with a slightly wild, savory character, the 2009 Rhone Paradox shows loads of garrigue, dried herb, leather, and spice characteristics on the nose. A touch dry, with a traditional, classic feel, the wine is medium-bodied on the palate with good acidity, a focused, straight feel, and a chewy, moderately tannic finish. Needing food to really shine, this note worthy red will be versatile on the dinner table, and have 3-5 years of prime drinking.

2010 Château Mas Neuf red Compostelle:   >> 89-91 pts <<
The 2010 red Compostelle, tasted from two separate samples, looks to be outstanding. Each sample showed the vintages hallmark purity or fruit with northern Rhone-like characteristics of green peppercorn, olive, herb, and meaty notes, medium body, solid concentration, and good length. While this should be accessible early on, it will also have some cellar potential.

2007 Château Mas Neuf red Compostelle:   >> 90 pts <<
A blend of close to 70% Syrah, with the balance Mourvèdre and a splash of Grenache, the 2009 Château Mas Neuf Costières-de-Nîmes Compostelle is an outstanding red that delivers upfront aromatics of ripe dark fruits, lavender, basil, green olive, licorice, and meaty notes on the nose. Quite complex, and the wine shows an herb and green olive underpinning that keeps you coming back for another sniff. This leads to a fresh, elegant wine that possesses a silky texture, ripe, fine tannin, and solid length on the finish. Aging beautifully, this easily has another 5+ years of evolution.

2008 Château Mas Neuf La Mourvache:   >> 89 pts <<
A blend of equal parts Mourvèdre and Grenache, all aged in tank, the 2008 Château Mas Neuf Costières-de-Nîmes La Mourvache displays exotic, complex profile with loads of earthy black fruits, cherry, Christmas spice, herbed meat, and coffee grind aromas, medium body, moderate concentration, and a clean, long finish that highlights fine, savory tannin. Certainly food-friendly, this will be versatile on the dinner table, and drink well for 5-7 years.

2007 Château Mas Neuf La Mourvache:   >> 91 pts <<
An even split of Mourvedre and Grenache, the 2007 Château Mas Neuf Costières-de-Nîmes La Mourvache is textured, seamless wine that yields meaty, rich aromatics of black fruits, garrigue, and charred earth, medium to full body, a supple, beautifully done texture, and a solid finish. While up front and with a delicious, drink me now profile, the balance here should allow this to evolve gracefully for 5-7 years .

2007 Château Mas Neuf Armonio:   >> 93+ pts <<
The most substantial and concentrated in the lineup, the 2007 Armonio, a blend of 40% Grenache, 30% Merlot, and 30% Cabernet that's aged in 100% new French oak, shows a deep, decadent bouquet of pure blackberry fruit, graphite, chocolate, and coffee on the nose. The oak elevage is front and center, but this has the fruit to handle it. Rich and concentrated on the palate, with a thick, full mid-palate, loads of richness, brilliant focus, and a very long, moderately tannic finish, this needs 3-4 years in the cellar to fully integrate, and should drink well for 10-12 years. Brilliant stuff.

2006 Château Mas Neuf Armonio:   >> 93 pts <<
Just as impressive as the '07, the 2006 Château Mas Neuf Vin de Pays d'Oc Armonio (40% Grenache, 30% Merlot, & 30% Cabernet that's aged in 100% French oak) delivers a boisterous, upfront bouquet of crème de cassis, toasty oak, subtle chocolate, and loads of spice. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, internationally styled, beautiful wine that possesses a concentrated, rich mouth feel, excellent balance, and a classy, very long finish. Still in need of 3-4 years to fully integrate, this should drink well for a decade or longer. Impressive and I'm a fan, however, there's no denying the modern elevage and profile so if you're oak adverse, look elsewhere.

2007 Château Mas Neuf Avec des Si:   >> 90 pts <<
The 2007 Avec des Si is 100% old vine Syrah, from tiny yields, that shows ripe, bright aromatics of fresh blackberry, olive, basil, and assorted violet, and wild flower-like notes on the nose. This is followed by a medium-bodied, fresh, elegant styled red that has moderate concentration, excellent balance, fine tannin, and juicy acidity that shines on the fin ish. It should drink nicely for 4-6 or more years.

Visit Jeb Dunnuck's The Rhone Report website...

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France - may 2011

Mas Neuf Rhône Paradox 2010 amongst the 4 best achievements of the vintage 2010 in the Revue des Vins de France 'special 2010 vintage' issue

We are glad to see our entry level Rhône Paradox amongst the best achievements of the vintage, at the best price of the selection.
Roberto Petronio encounters “a fine violet nose” and a “very sturdy and nice mouthfeel”

This reinforces the reputation of this cuvee as being one of the best value for money wines of the region.

GAULT MILLAU 2011 GUIDE: LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE

    (= "The best wines from France")

NED GOODWIN MW - August 2010

"A white wine of distinguished refinement from Costieres de Nimes"
 

Mas Neuf White Compostelle 2008 : 91 / 100

"The nose is akin to lemon curd and truffle with a cool herbal twist. It is very much natural yeast-driven. The palate is broad with reverberating notes of apple, pear, quince and stone fruits, yet not at all sudsy or too blowsy. The wine has been raised in third-use d'Yquem barrels apparently to give it some lift and tang from residual botrytis. Long and persistent and most importantly, very easy to drink. This is not something that I can often say about wines from these parts."
(from a feature article on "Le Mont-Saint-Michel" wine bar in Tokyo)

AUSTRALIAN GOURMET TRAVELLER - july 2010

"Top drops of the month"
 

Mas Neuf Compostelle red 2007 :

"This wonderful red takes the dark black fruit of syrah, adds a dollop of sweet grenache earthiness and ties it all together with the herbal, dried cirrus twang of mourvèdre. Drink with lamb chops."

Visit the magazine website...
 

WEINWELT - february 2010

The german magazine selects Armonio
 

From the "Vins de Pays d'Oc" Collection, the german magazine has selected 9 wines. Among them is Mas Neuf Armonio 2006 :

"Die Cuvée aus Grenache, Cabernet Sauvignon und Merlot zeigt Potenzial: moder, mit holzgeprägter Nase, aber edel, satte Kirschfrucht, frische schwarze Johannisbeere, saftige Pflaume, straffe, aber reife Tannine, langer, intensiver Nachhall."

See page...
 

DAILY INQUIRER - Nov. 12, 2009

"How Mas Neuf wines are produced the traditional way"

Micky Fenix of The Philippines Daily Inquirer captures the essence and spirit of wine making at Château Mas Neuf :

Read this article...

BUSINESS MIRROR - Nov. 26, 2009

"Harmony between soil and climate, grape and careful winemaking"

Business Mirror, the Philippines' leading business newspaper, features an article on Chateau Mas Neuf with wine comments :

Read this article on line...

NEW RATINGS ON MAS NEUF FROM ROBERT PARKER

in the November 2009 issue of The Wine Advocate
 

Robert Parker has been tasting our wines for the last 7 years. Here are some excerpts of his comments on the latest vintage:

"One of the Costieres de Nimes’ top estates for quality and value, Mas Neuf is run by Luc Baudet. "

Mas Neuf - Compostelle red 2007:  89 points.

“The 2007 Costieres de Nimes Compostelle is a blend of 70% Syrah, 25% Mourvedre, and 5% Grenache. Deep ruby/plum/purple-tinged with notes of bouquet garni, licorice, black currants, and cherries, this medium to full-bodied 2007 possesses good purity and density as well as a round, generous finish. It can be consumed over the next 3-4 years. ”

Mas Neuf - Mourvache red 2007:    90 points.
“A more substantial wine, the dense purple-hued 2007 Costieres de Nimes Le Mourvache is a blend of equal parts Mourvedre and Syrah. Abundant aromas of creosote, blueberries, tree bark, mushrooms, new saddle leather, and meat juices emerge from this medium to full-bodied, dense wine along with impressive richness and length. It should drink well for 4-5 years.”

Mas Neuf - Red Tradition 2007:      87 points.
“The 2007 Costieres de Nimes Tradition, a blend of 45% Syrah, 25% Grenache, 15% Mourvedre, and the rest Carignan, is a classic Provencal offering. Notes of pepper, garrigue, black cherries, black currants, licorice, and earth jump from the glass of this medium-bodied, richly fruity, well-made effort. Consume it over the next 2-3 years.”

DECANTER - May 2009

The board of the Decanter World Wine Awards of the well-known english wine-magazine has awarded two Mas Neuf wines:

GUIDE HACHETTE 2010

2 étoiles pour La Mourvache, 1 étoile pour Avec des Si... et Tradition Rosé cité

La Mourvache 2007 * * :
« Made from mourvèdre and grenache in equal proportions, this wood aged blend has a well developed nose showing a mixture of cooked red and black fruits under a sumptuous robe with hints of violet. The mouth unveils fine tannins and a delicate liveliness which underlines the fruit and leaves an impression of balance. »

Avec des Si... 2007 * :
« A pretty name for a pretty syrah, which is of a brilliant and intense purple. (...) On the nose there is well integrated wood, with toasted hints (18 months in cask). On the mouth, spices, cocoa, and hints of toast rival each other in intensity and echo the nose, the whole being well structured. Will easily stand up to game. »

« The wine 'Tradition Rosé 2008' is mentioned for its lightness, its freshness and its finesse. »

GUIDE DES VINS GAULT MILLAU 2010

« The wines are very dense with ultra silky tannins, which correspond to the pursuit of immediate pleasure. Some of the cuvées are warm and charming, like Compostelle 2007. Wines for quaffing, unmarked by wood. »

BETTANE & DESSEAUVE - LE GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2010

LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS À PETITS PRIX 2010 (Revue du Vin de France)

(= Guide of the best low-priced wines)
 

Tradition blanc 2008: « Rich, broad and fleshy, a little heavy, but is well sustained in the mouth, particularly with dishes made with olive oil. »
 

Tradition rouge 2007: « Easy and quaffable, fairly easy going and not very complex. It will go perfectly with the summer dishes of the region. Drink young. »

GUIDE HUBERT 2009

Two of our cuvees were selected and noted:

BETTANE & DESSEAUVE - GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2009

GUIDE VIN GAULTMILLAU 2009

« Vins de pays d'Oc, Costières de Nîmes... Did you say "light wines" ? Taste the high quality of the wines from Chateau Mas Neuf to have a new opinion on these so-called light wines. »

GUIDE HACHETTE 2009

La Mourvache 2006:
« There is no doubt about the name of this cuvée: this wine is a mix of Mourvèdre and Grenache (50% - 50%), coming from two parcels of Villafranchiens pebbles. Play of purplish-blue colours embellishes garnet colour. The pleasant nose plays the complexity: flowers and fruity notes (banana dried and quince), under wood aromas, combined in the palate with chocolate notes. The attack is sweet with powerful tannins, before a pleasant finish with alcoholic fruits notes. »

GUIDE LE CLASSEMENT DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009

(= "Guide of the best french wines")

"The estate produces ambitious Costières de Nîmes and Vin de pays d’Oc. A large proportion of noble grape varieties allows to produce deep, pulpy and rich wines, especially the high cuvées. The Costières de Nîmes, especially the prestigious cuvée called Compostelle, shine with a real personality, a fullbodied style with character.

The wines: the Compostelle Rosé 2007 is a savoury wine with a nice personality. The Tradition rosé is simpler but its spicy notes make it charming. Rich but with a lot of energy, the Tradition white 2007 has nice herbs aromatic flavour and fruit finish. The Compostelle white is more complex and rich. The Tradition red 2006, supple and silky is a nice and simple wine. The cuvée La Mourvache has more density and Avec des Si makes us think of the North Rhône wines. "

L'EXPRESS - Wine special issue - July/August 2008

The best french wines under 10 €

Costières de Nîmes Red Tradition 2006: 2 stars
« Deeply coloured, fresh and round on the palate, this wine offers a range of black fruit aromas. Top quality tanins, supple and without edge. »

TERRE DES VINS - June/July/August 2008

The cuvée Tradition White is recommended in a special article
"Summer wines for less than 6 €"

« The Costières de Nimes Tradition White 2007 from Mas Neuf (15/20, 5.80 €) is a beautiful mix of grenache and roussanne, sincere, good balanced, smooth and tonic, with white peaches notes. Food and wine matching: risotto with seafood or grilled fish. »

NEW RATINGS ON MAS NEUF FROM ROBERT PARKER

in the March 2008 issue of the Wine Advocate
 

Robert Parker has released his ratings for vintages 2005 & 2006. The overall comment on the domain is quite encouraging:

"Chateau Mas Neuf is one of the best estates in this up-and-coming region, known for high quality and fair prices. "

Mas Neuf - Red Tradition 2005:          87 points.
“The 2005 Costières de Nîmes Tradition is a straightforward, bistro-styled red with notes of Provencal herbs, cherries, strawberries, and licorice. This medium-bodied wine should be drunk over the next 2-3 years”.

Mas Neuf - White Tradition 2006:       87 points.
“The 2006 Costières de Nîmes Tradition blanc is fresh, with notes of white currants, spring flowers, and hints of licorice and quince. This medium-bodied, elegant wine is best drunk over the next 6-9 months”

Mas Neuf - Compostelle white 2006:  88 points.
“The serious 2006 Costières de Nîmes Compostelle blanc is much more exotic, with notes of poached pear, apricot, peach, lychee, and plenty of honeysuckle. It is medium-bodied, but at the same time refreshing and elegant”.

Mas Neuf - Mourvache red 2005:    89 points.
“An intriguing blend of equal parts Mourvèdre and Grenache, the 2005 La Mourvache is impressive. Deep purple in color, with notes of roasted meats, herbs, blueberry, and black cherry, this spicy, rich, medium-bodied wine has sweet tannin and a long finish. It should age beautifully for 5-6 years”
Mas Neuf - Avec des Si red 2004:   90 points.
“Avec Des Si...” is superb. Yields were only 25 hectoliters per hectare, and the wine exhibits a dense purple color, sweet floral and creme de cassis notes with hints of blackberry, melted licorice, and pepper. The wine is ripe, lush, heady, and best drunk over the next 5-7 years”

Mas Neuf - Compostelle red 2005:  90 points.

“The 2005 Costières de Nîmes Compostelle is an outstanding wine that has a deep ruby/purple color, a beautiful nose of black chocolate, creme de cassis, and blackberry, followed by full-bodied, lush, intense flavors that are pure and savory. Drink it over the next 3-4 years”

DECANTER

Mas Neuf in the April 2008 issue
 

Compostelle red 2005: * * * *
“Rich, polished, ageworthy 70% Syrah-30% Mourvèdre blend with suede-like tannins, aged for 12 months in one-year-old barrels acquired from Bordeaux classed growths.”
See the magazine page...

FRANCE 2008 SELECTION

Mas Neuf listed in the France 2008 selection
 

Mas Neuf Tradition red 2006 is listed in the 100-wine special selection FRANCE 2008 to be presented at ProWein. Taste it at the France 2008 booth (Hall 5-78) and see it in the ProWein special issue of the Weinwirtschaft magazine.

WINE SPECTATOR - Nov 30, 2007

The Rhône Valley: "Best in a Generation"
 

In its feature article on the Rhône Valley, Wine Spectator has tasted Mas Neuf wines.
Particularly:

THURIÈS MAGAZINE - novembre 2007

Special recommendation of the gastronomy magazine for Mas Neuf Tradition
 

Mas Neuf Tradition red 2005: « In his category, this cuvée is a type of archetypal for his appellation. This cuvee is based of a mix of syrah, grenache, mourvèdre and carignan. It plays the seduction effects. The red grenat of his colour convinces. His aromatic expression is exact and charms our nostrils. With fruity and floral notes, a delicate flavour of orange reveals complexity. The palate is sensual and full of charm. This delicious and concentrated wine is really an example. »

GUIDE HACHETTE 2008

Avec des Si 2004: 2 stars
"Syrah vines planted on a sedimentary shingle soil produced the “Avec des Si” cuvee. Under a mysterious, dark colour, the nose is very refined with balsamic scents and reveals some wooded flavours due to a vinification in barrels (18 months). The palate, very rich and dense, with good acidity, develops black fruit flavours leading to a very nice finish."

La Mourvache 2005:
" Two fifty years old plots, one of Mourvèdre and the other one of Grenache, facing the "Petite Camargue", grapes harvested at optimal maturity and controlled extraction gave birth to this cuvee, dark ruby colour. This wine was matured for 12 months in wooden barrels which gives this cuvee a very complex palate with spicy notes, roasted flavours and brandy fruit scents. The very complex texture, supported by tight tannins, reveals blackberry and menthol notes."

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2008 (=Guide of the best french wines)

The cuvée La Mourvache is rewarded with an 18/20 mark !

GAULT MILLAU WINE GUIDE 2008

"In the Tradition range, the rosé is a very long, warm and ideally gastronomical wine, the white is notably sappy and pleasant with ripe peer and acacia honey aromas, the red has nice tannin rounded up with warness and spice aromas. Other wines are equally well done with Armonio being one notch above. "

CUISINE ET VINS DE FRANCE - Wine special issue - septembre 2007

You may find Château Mas Neuf Compostelle white 2005 in the “500 best bottles of the year” special selection, a real reward for this cuvée !

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - september 2007

Interview of Sébastien Maucarré, head sommelier of 2 stars Michelin.
 

Amongst his favourite discoveries, Sébastien Maucarré highlights our Armonio cuvee as well as our friend Remi Pedreno wines, also from the Gard area. His best ever tasted wines were Chave 1935 Hermitage and 1974 Romanée Conti !

This is certainly an opportunity for us to insist on the incredible gentleness, discreet personality of Sébastien, who hosted us last year for a memorable lunch. Finesse and precision are the words coming to my mind to address the fine cuisine prepared by Philippe Buissou and the matching wines proposed by Sebastien.

Thank them for their support and we make sure to plan another trip to Uriage to enjoy their fantastic duo !

HOTEL & CATERING REVIEW

The irish magazine selects Mas Neuf wine for a perfect match
 

In the November 2006 issue of the magazine, Mas Neuf red Compostelle is selected for a perfect match with a "Roast Haunch of Venison with Five Spice Sauce" presented by chef Nick Price.

"The wine is warm and full-bodied and has richness of berry fruit, good underlying acidity and supple tannins to give it structure and length as well as intense spice and fruit-of-the-forest bouquet on the nose. It is smooth and elegant in spite of being a big vinous wine. The blend is of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvedre, the Syrah contributing good fruit sweetness, some spice and the smoothness; the Grenache the vinosity and pepper and the Mourvedre, rich gamey and bitter chocolate nuances that will enhance the gaminess of the venison."
 

WEINWIRTSCHAFT: LARGE TASTING FRANCE 2007

3 wines from Mas Neuf in the '100 best wines' selection
 

The german magazine for professionals Weinwirtschaft has selected three wines from Mas Neuf in the large tasting "France 2007". The selection will be presented by Marcus Del Monego, World Best Sommelier 1998, during the ProWein exhibition (Hall 5 A 120).

> Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2005
> Mas Neuf Compostelle rosé 2006
> Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2005
Voir le site internet de la revue
 

INTERNATIONAL VALUE WINE AWARDS

Canadian magazine Wine Access
 

Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2004 has been awarded by the canadian magazine Wine Access. The International Value Wine Awards, "Best values under $25", list Mas Neuf as "flight highlight" in two sections:
- IVWA France's best red (among 6 awarded wines only)
- IVWA best red blends (among 14 awarded wines only).
Visit the magazine's website
 

VINALIES 2007

An award for Mas Neuf from the "Oenologues de France"
 

Compostelle Red 2004: Prix d'Excellence
"This 2004 is so deep in colour it looks almost black. Then, on the nose you find black fruits, such as bilberries, leading to delicately woody hints. The mouth, full and rich, makes you think of concentrated red fruit finishing with a hint of vanilla. A delight."

LE GUIDE FLEURUS DES VINS 2007

Compostelle 2003 ranked as best red wine of the area
 

Compostelle Red 2003: " In the glass, it shows an intense ruby with powerful purple glints. The nose unveils scents of flowers such as lilac and violet at first, then moves towards incense, herbs (bay and rosemary) and black soft fruit (blackcurrant, cherry, blackberry & bilberry). As it opens out with exposure to the air, you detect hints of how it was made, with cedarwood, pepper, toast and vanilla. The mouth has a fresh structure with refreshing acidity and fine crunchy tannins. The finish is nicely long and balanced with a touch of cashew.
> An exceptional wine, worth discovery.
As a suggestion for a good marriage with food, a wine based duck daube, or a haunch of venison with a peppercorn sauce. "

Mark: 19/20

Armonio 2002: " Deep dark colour. Complex concentrated nose, combining the aromas of red soft fruit with powerful expressive hints of leather and of wood. The mouth is round, but lively, having silken tannins, redolent with black soft fruit, (blackberry and blackcurrant).
Try it matched with barbecued quail."

Mark: 17/20

GUIDE LE CLASSEMENT DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2007

"The estate achieves its high ambitions as much for the Costières de Nîmes appellation as for its Vin de Pays. A high proportion of noble varietals allows them to make deep full bodied, rich wines, especially in their "Grande Cuvée" range. A definite personality, in their own very particular style, shines through all the The Costières de Nîmes, and most especially the prestige growth called "Compostelle".
(...) Among the reds "Avec des Si..." is broad shouldered but without being in any way rustic, with well rounded fruits and perfectly extracted tannins. "Armonio" dense and very rich has a fine balance, though it needs time to calm its exhuberance!"

LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS À PETITS PRIX 2007

(= Guide of the best low-priced wines)
 

CUISINE ET VINS DE FRANCE - Wine Special - september 2006

Special recommandation: La Mourvache.
 

In the "Wine 2006 special issue", the magazine Cuisine et Vins de France recommends La Mourvache 2003: " Mourvèdre and grenache, the two finest grape varieties from the south of France unite to reach high levels of balance and an elegant nose."
Read the article (in french)...

LE MONDE 2 - Wine guide 2006 - 2 september 2006

Compostelle in Michel Bettane & Thierry Desseauve selection.
 

In the section "From the domains", Michel Bettane et Thierry Desseauve has chosen Compostelle White 2005: " A full, rich wine with fruits and freshness which could be used as reference to the area."

Rating: 15 / 20

TERRE DES VINS - June 2006

Best regional rating for Compostelle Rosé 2005:
 

Compostelle rosé 2005: " Tender pink, this cuvee is always aromatic & seductive, nice floral notes, a chunky but smooth mouthfeel, raspberries & strawberries aromas, long and
spicy. An excellent wine for aperitif and more..."

Rating: 17 / 20

VINALIES 2006

An award for Mas Neuf from the Oenologues de France
 

Compostelle Red 2004: Prix d'Excellence
See the full list of Vinalies awards...

NEW RATINGS ON MAS NEUF FROM R. PARKER

in February 06 issue of the Wine Advocate

After a long suspense (tasting was in April 2005), Mister R. Parker has finally published his ratings for vintages 2003 & 2004.

Without going into all the details, here are the main ratings:

- Mas Neuf Red Tradition 2004:        87 points

- Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2003:   90 points

- Mas Neuf Tradition White 2004:        87 points

With extremely positive comments, which reflect all the success that the wines have encountered last year.

We will come back later with more detailed insight about his comments.

EXCURSION IN THE COSTIÈRES DE NÎMES

The Revue du Vin de France invites you to discover the Southern Costières area... and praises the wines from Château Mas Neuf.
" Special attention should be paid to the Tradition white 2005, with vibrant minerality, and to the remarquable Vin de Pays Chardonnay Viogner 2003 and Armonio 2003, from the work in common of Louis Mitjavile with the estate."

Click here for another excerpt - See the map

LE GUIDE FLEURUS DES VINS 2006

Le guide des sommeliers has selected 4 Château Mas Neuf wines:

 
Château Mas Neuf - Compostelle White 2002: " Golden yellow in colour. The nose combines fresh and dried fruit aromas. Soft and round on the palate underscored with flavours of spice, fruit and wax. A straightforward yet complex wine, very pleasant."

Rating: 15/20

Château Mas Neuf - Compostelle Red 2003: " Deep purple tinged with ruby. Intense, very dense, concentrated colour. Dark, sharp, clear and brilliant on the rim. Very pronounced and smooth legs. The nose is complex with concentrated aromas of black cherry, blackberry and delicate spice (clove, pink peppercorn) blended with a touch of oak and liquorice and enhanced with subtle empyreumatic notes (cocoa, coffee bean). Smooth and full-bodied with velvety structure and soft but solid tannins. The finish is very harmonious and incredibly long, with good balance between robustness and freshness.
This wine has very good ageing potential and may be paired with game, either now or after a few years of cellaring. Matured for twelve months in oak barrels, this cuvée is a blend of Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan. The grapes grow in sandy-loamy soil strewn with stones similar to that of Châteauneuf-du-Pape."

Rating: 16/20

Château Mas Neuf - Tradition Red 2003: " Intense ruby red in colour with violet and purple highlights showing its youth. Lustrous, glistening and opaque with nice concentration. The nose is elegant and delicate revealing an aromatic framework of very ripe black and red berries (blackcurrant, wild strawberry, raspberry, blackberry), as well as refreshing notes of lilac, mint and liquorice which open up to nuances of cocoa and spice when allowed to breathe. A very soft, almost syrupy attack, with a still young and rather sharp structure. Powerful on the palate with very fine tannins which are still pronounced. The finish shows very good length.
Besides the technical aspect this wine shows in its youth, it is very typical of the wines from southern France: generous, powerful, fresh, well-balanced and complex. The craftsmanship behind this wine allows the varietals to shine through. It will become increasingly expressive of its terroir with cellaring."

Rating: 19/20

Château Mas Neuf - Tradition Rosé 2002: " Salmon pink in colour with mauve highlights. Deep luminosity, clear and brilliant. The nose has gorgeous aromas of red berries (strawberry, raspberry, red currant). It is lively and fresh and will develop complexity over time. The palate shows good balance between generosity, full-bodiedness and youthful structure. Appealing powerful and fruity finish.
This wine illustrates the exceptional work this château is capable of with their offer of a rosé which is as well-made as their reds of the same appellation."

Rating: 17/20

JACQUES BENOIT - LA PRESSE - 2 december 2005

This week's recommendation

Quebec: In the december 2, 2005 issue of La Presse, the well-known wine critic Jacques Benoit has selected the Costières de Nîmes 2003 Compostelle Château Mas Neuf for his "This week's recommendation" column.

 

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - Special issue november 2005

The Revue des Vins de France selects Mas Neuf in its favourite 1500 wines of 2005:

Si Rare 2002 - Vin de pays d'Oc: " A syrah with great class, elegant, ambitious, with power and freshness, harmony and complexity. Deep, dense and smashing, it gathered all praises from the jury. Certainly a great wine. This cuvee deserves a medal made of the noblest metal."

Mark: 5 stars *****

LES VINS DE L'OBS - 15-21 september 2005

450 bottles less than 15 €
 

We like the wine of...
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle 2003: "The nose reveals a dense and rich content, of great complexity. Wait 2-3 years. -> 10.80 €."

 

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - July 2005 special issue

The reference Magazine on wine (RVF) puts Mas Neuf in the very restricted circle of the three best estates of Costières de Nîmes

In this article focusing on wine related tourism, the author ranks Mas Neuf within the 3 « not to be missed " estates of the area. After 5 years of efforts, our position starts to be recognized by the press, we are happy !

Click here for a closer look

JANCIS ROBINSON - The Purple Pages - 17 may 2005

Chateau Mas Neuf, Tradition 2003 Costieres de Nimes:
" It’s quite a while since I recommended a southern French red in this slot, which is strange since I still think that this category offers possibly the best wine value in the world: hand-crafted, single domaine wines with real personality but, unfortunately for their makers, insufficient fame and standing in the world of wine to command high prices. This one sells for £6.50 from Vine Trail in Bristol, from under $7 in the US and from under €5 in France – and it’s delicious.

I tasted this wine in a small line-up of Languedoc 2003s, including the famous Mas de Daumas Gassac hailed in Mondovino, and other wines in between these two extremes of pricing. The Mas Neuf was the bottle I chose to take from the tasting table to the dining table. (Mas de Daumas Gassac 2003 may get there in the end but both bottles I tried were uncompromisingly tough on the first night, much more approachable on the second, but one can’t help feeling that that great Aniane terroir is rather swamped by such an interloper as Cabernet Sauvignon.)

The problem with so many 2003s is that the grapes dried on the vine, resulting in very dry tannins and a sandpaper-like finish on the palate. In the Mas Neuf, this phenomenon is well counterbalanced by a great mouthful of ripe, positive, peppery fruit with lush herby flavours. The wine is relatively simple – just 10 per cent saw any oak – but is beautifully balanced and I reckon could be drunk any time over the next two years. This blend of mainly Syrah, with Grenache and some Mourvèdre and Carignan, the grapes most at home in this corner of the world, is ‘just’ 13.5 per cent and could happily be served at more or less any temperature. Vine Trail reports that it won four-star praise from La Revue du Vin de France.

Honestly – what more could you ask for? To my mind the Costières de Nîmes is one of the most interesting southern French appellations and this is far from the only bargain to be found there. It’s on the cusp of the southern Rhône and the Languedoc and combines virtues from both – soils deposited by the Rhône but a glossiness of fruit, perhaps a result of the influence of the nearby Camargue."

Click here to visit Jancis Robinson internet site
 

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - March 2005

The RVF magazine awards our vins de Pays as the very best in France .
 

Si Rare 2002 - Vin de pays d'Oc: " The champion of the tasting. A syrah with great class, elegant, ambitious, with power and freshness, harmony and complexity. Deep, dense and smashing, it gathered all praises from the jury. Certainly a great wine.
This cuvee deserves a medal made of the noblest metal.

Mark: 5 stars *****

Armonio 2002: "This estates strikes again with this wonderful wine, made of grenache, Merlot and Cabernet, with great density, mature without excess, with aromas of candied fruits. Devilishly charming, liquorice, smooth, it offers lots of pleasure without saturating the mouth."

Mark: 4.5 stars ****(*)

LE POINT - january 27, 2005

"The soul of Costieres-de-Nimes" by Olivier Bompas
Mas Neuf Compostelle 2002 has been selected in the January 27th issue of the weekly magazine "Le Point". In the article: winemaker photo and history.
Read the article (in french) ...
 

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - February 2005

"The raising Stars of Chateauneuf du Pape"
Luc BAUDET is selected amongst the 5 young most promising winegrowers of the Rhône valley. A few lines from this article:
 

"In the vineyards, one master word: hard work. In the cellar, the least interference with the winemaking process in order to ensure the purity of the fruit. One of his references is Château de Beaucastel, inspires him the new cuvee La Mourvache, a magnificent blend of Grenache and Mourvedre. Reds are rich and juicy. The white Compostelle , roussanne and grenache blended together, is a marvellously round and voluptuous wine. An estate with ambition and with promising wines." Roberto Petronio
 

WINE ADVOCATE - Robert Parker - December 2004

Tradition Red 2003: "The value priced 2003 Costières de Nîmes exhibits an dense ruby purple colour along with a big smoky nose of asphalt, blackcurrant, cherries and flowers. This deep luscious fruit drivent red has fine body as well as terrific finish for a wine at this price category. Enjoy it over the next 2-3 years."

Mark: 88/100

Tradition Rosé 2003: " I did taste a gorgeous 2003 Rosé with terrific fruit, serious body and a long heady finish. A blend of 55% syrah, 20% Grenache and 25% Cinsault It should be consumed before spring 2005."

Mark: 89/100

WINE ADVOCATE N° 147, June 2003

Section "Beautiful wines under 20 dollars".

" This is another seriously run estate in the Costières de Nîmes selling all their wines for under $10, except for their prestige cuvée, wich will set readers back $16."

Compostelle 2001 Red: " The dense purple-colored 2001 Costières de Nîmes Compostelle (a blend of primarily Syrah with lesser quantities of Grenache and Mourvèdre) is a brawny, super-charged red with medium to full body, and loads of glycerin and black fruits intermixed with a hint of licorice. Soft tannin, low acidity, and a wealth of fruit make it impossible to resist. It will last for 5-6 years"

Mark: 90/100

Mas Neuf 2002 Rosé (Tradition): "The light pink-colored explosive 2002 Costières de Nîmes rosé offers coplous quantities of framboise and cherry notes, mledium body, and a dry finish. Enjoy it over the next 6-8 month."

Mark: 87/100

Mas Neuf 2002 Red (Tradition): "The medium dark ruby-colored 2002 Costières de Nîmes red (65% Syrah, 25% Grenache, and 10% Mourvèdre) is a respectable effort for the vintage. Possesing peppary red fruit, agood attack, and a slightly compressed finish (no doudt beacuse of the harvest rains, it should drink well for 1-2 years."

Mark: 85/100

Mas Neuf 2001 Red (Tradition): " The difference in vintage conditions is obvious with the 2001 Costières de Nîmes red. It is more textured, fuller, sweeter effort displaying a deeeper ruby color as well as additional ripeness, volume and depth. Drink it over the next 2-3 years."

Mark: 87/100

REVUE DES VINS DE FRANCE JULY 2002

Château Mas Neuf Tradition 2001 red

" Here is a lovely vintage, resulting from a 20 to 25-day fermentation of destalked grapes. Opaque, deep, very mature fruit, fleshy, rich body, meaty and long, giving off good fruit. Good structure."

WINE ADVOCATE august 2001 and july 2002

In the "best deals in the world" section.

"The [Château Mas Neuf]... 2000 imparts a nose dominated by strong dark berry fruit, cigar, pepper, leather and spices. Drink this soft wine within the next few years."

Mark: 87/100

"The [Château Mas Neuf]... Prestige 99 is concentrated and chewy. Dark purple ruby, strong blackberry and blackcurrant, a hint of liquorice, it is meaty and full on the mid-palate, and has a supple texture on the finish. Drink within the next 7 to 8 years."

Mark: 89/100

GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2001

Château Mas Neuf appears in the "excellent" section, that is

" Château Mas Neuf is an estate of good standing producing top class reds, rich with well balanced mellowness that moreover make for good buys."

GUIDE HACHETTE 2001

and "coup de coeur" (favorite).

" This [Prestige] 98 typifies one of the best wines of the tasting, one that managed to seduce from the very first glimpse of its beautiful dark garnet colour. The nose, intense and complex, combines red fruits and spices (bay leaves) and fresh leather.

The attack is generous, endowed with a good balance upheld by liquorice tannins. A very long, extended finish. A very full, powerful, and especially accomplished wine that should be enjoyed perfectly in two years' time."

GUIDE HUBERT 2003

Compostelle 2001 Red

" A spicy nose, with very ripe fruit, hints of cocoa, pepper and leather. The palate is very meaty and fat, good preserved fruit framed by smooth tannins, spiced by the barrel. Wait a little."

GUIDE FLEURUS DES VINS 2003

19/20: Compostelle 2000 Red

" ... Magnificent nose, very flattering, revealing hints of toast, freshly roasted coffee, cinnamon, nutmeg, red and black fruits (blueberry, mulberry and cherry), of bay leaves and the garrigue - the evocative scrubland of southern France.

Palate supple and fruity on the same level, characterised by a good balance between mentholated acidity and tannins that are still young. Powerful finish.

A blend of Grenache, Shiraz and Mourvèdre, perfectly illustrating the potential of this appellation seen increasingly each day. Powerful, fruity, masculine, elegant and juicy, this outstanding wine deserves a pilgrimage !"

Gold medals

Château Mas Neuf Tradition White 2008: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2008: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2008: Concours des Vignerons Indépendants 2009

Château Mas Neuf Compostelle Rosé 2006:
     Concours des grands vins du Languedoc-Roussillon 2007 (Les Oenologues de France)
Château Mas Neuf Tradition White 2006:
     Concours des grands vins du Languedoc-Roussillon 2007 (Les Oenologues de France)
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2006: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2007

Château Mas Neuf Armonio 2005: International Wine Challenge, Vienna 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2005: Concours du Grand Delta - Avignon 2006
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2005: Concours du Grand Delta - Avignon 2006

Château Mas Neuf Armonio 2004: 15th Vinalies Internationales 2009
Château Mas Neuf La Mourvache Red 2004:Concours Général Agricole Paris 2005
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2004: Prix d'Excellence - Vinalies 2006
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2004:Concours Général Agricole Paris 2005
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2004: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2005
                                                                    (Médaille d'Or avec les félicitations du jury)
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2004: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2005
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2004: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2005

Château Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2003: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2004
Château Mas Neuf tradition Red 2003:Concours Général Agricole Paris 2004
Château Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2003: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2004
Château Mas Neuf Red 2002: Concours des Grands Vins d'Avignon 2003
Chateau Mas Neuf Red 2001: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2002

Silver medals

Château Mas Neuf Compostelle white 2008: International Wine Challenge, Vienna 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2008: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2008:
     Concours des grands vins du Languedoc-Roussillon 2007 (Les Oenologues de France)
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2008: Concours des vins de la Foire d'Avignon 2009

Château Mas Neuf La Mourvache 2007: International Wine Challenge, Vienna 2009
Château Mas Neuf Avec des Si... 2007: International Wine Challenge, Vienna 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Red 2007: Concours des Vins d'Orange 2008

Château Mas Neuf Tradition White 2006: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2007
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2006: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2007

Château Mas Neuf La Mourvache 2005: International Wine Challenge, Vienna 2009
Château Mas Neuf Tradition White 2005: Concours des Vignerons Indépendants 2006

Château Mas Neuf Armonio 2004: Wine Style Asia Awards (Singapour) 2008
Château Mas Neuf Tradition Rosé 2004: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2005

Château Mas Neuf Compostelle Red 2003:Concours Général Agricole Paris 2004
Château Mas Neuf Red 2002: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2003
Château Mas Neuf White  2002: Concours des Grands Vins d'Orange 2002
Château Mas Neuf Red 2000: Concours Général Agricole Paris 2001