Château Maris 2020 Les Planels Cru La Livinière shows a deep, saturated ruby color and opens with an expressive nose of ripe blackberries, black plum, and blueberry compote layered with garrigue, lavender, and cracked pepper. As it unfolds, notes of licorice, smoked herbs, and warm earth emerge, giving the wine a distinctly Mediterranean character. The palate is full‑bodied yet surprisingly lifted, with polished tannins and a supple texture carrying flavors of dark cherry, cocoa, and dried thyme. A vein of minerality and well‑integrated acidity keeps the richness in balance, leading to a long, savory finish marked by spice and a touch of graphite.
It's made entirely from Syrah, sourced from old vines grown on the stepped stone terraces of La Livinière. The estate describes the cuvée as coming from Syrah vines over 35 years old, planted on sun‑exposed terraces that shape the wine’s concentration and structure.
This vintage pairs beautifully with dishes that echo its depth and herbal complexity. Slow‑braised lamb shanks, grilled ribeye with rosemary, or duck breast with a berry reduction all complement its dark fruit and spice. For more rustic pairings, cassoulet, wild mushroom ragout, or herb‑roasted vegetables work especially well. Aged cheeses such as Comté, Manchego, or a firm goat cheese also highlight the wine’s structure and savory notes.
