Château Mas Neuf — Costières de Nîmes

Château Mas Neuf is the revival of an excellent old vineyard at the southern edge of the Costières de Nîmes AOC that exploits the fine, minerally complex terroir that lies just north of the Mediterranean at the western edge of the Camargue.
The location of Château Mas Neuf, half way up the Grand Sud slope of the Costières de Nîmes, is very special. The amount of sunshine hours enjoyed by the vineyard is similar to that in Languedoc or Provence, but the proximity of the ponds and sea allows the estate to derive benefit from the gentle thermal winds coming from the Mediterranean. At night and at the beginning of the day one often sees dew descend and temperatures can be 4 to 5°C lower than those noted in the interior of the lands in summer.

The main vineyard blocks enjoy well washed brown fersiallitic soils resulting in a large concentration of pebbles from the Durance and the Rhone dating from the Villafranchian era. These soils supply regular but moderate hydration to the vine. The differences in soil depth and composition create micro terroirs with various inputs, exacerbated by different work in the vineyard. Although Luc Badet has only been on the site since the 2000 harvest, his wines are already broadly acclaimed by wine lovers of all stripes. Luc spoke with elequent passion at the Vancouver Playhouse Wine Festival 2006 and we were not surprised to find that his wines do the same.

NEW RATINGS for MAS NEUF from Robert PARKER Jr. in March 2008 issue of the Wine Advocate

Mister Parker has published his ratings for vintages 2005 & 2006 : “Chateau Mas Neuf is one of the best estates in this up-and-coming region, known for high quality and fair prices.”

Mas Neuf Rouge Tradition 2005 (IN STOCK):      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 Compostelle Blanc 2006 (now exclusively at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, Toronto): 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 Avec des Si Rouge 2004 (IN TRANSIT) : 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 Rouge 2005 (IN STOCK): 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.”
Also noted in DECANTER, April 2008: ****  “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.”


Chateau Mas Neuf:  Armonio 2003 - Vin de pays d'Oc.  -  40%  Grenache Noir, 30% Merlot, 30% Cabernet.
This wine results from Luc Badet's association with Louis Mitjavile, an exceptional vigneron at Tertre Roteboeuf (Saint Emilion) and Roc de Cambe (Cotes de Bourg) in Bordeaux. The terroir consists of two vineyard blocks classified as AOC, but presenting a specific micro-climate that is characterised by cool nights, offering ideal conditions for the slow maturation of the two great northern grape varieties. There are no concessions made in the vineyard or the sacrifices necessary to reach full maturation of the grapes. Then, Louis controls the technical choices in the cellar. A careful vinication -- cold settling (4°C), running off of the wine into barrels that have been used in the Sauternes (Château d'Yquem) for a period of 6 months. Alcoholic fermentation occurs in these barrels at a controlled temperature (18°C). This is followed by maturation in especially selected barriques -- 100% new, with a special toasting carried out on order. After 18 months, the barrels deliver a wine of remarkable maturity and power,
Returning soon!! -- exclusively at Jamie Kennedy Wine Bar, Toronto.

Cuvée Compostelle Rouge Costières de Nîmes 2004: