90 Pts Jeb Dunnuck - The Rhone Report

"A unique blend of 62% Cabernet Franc, 28% Syrah, and 10% Merlot, aged for 10 months in oak, the 2009 Domaine Puydeval Vin de Pays d'Oc represent a fantastic value, as well as a surprisingly polished, rich expression of Cabernet Franc. From cooler plots, this delivers lush and upfront aromatics of blackberry and darker fruits supported by classy oak, dark chocolate, and pipe tobacco on the nose. Over the evening, the upfront fruit gives way to more spice, licorice, and underbrush nuances. Outstanding on the palate as well, this medium+ bodied beauty has loads of ripe fruit, a juicy, fresh texture that stays light and balanced, and a clean, well-defined finish. Overall, this is a fantastic, unique wine, and while I don’t have anything to reference with regarding aging, I don’t see any reason this won’t continue to show well for 5-8 years." 90 points - Jeb Dunnuck - Rhone Report

"With apologies to those growers in the nearby Cabardes appellation whom I did not visit or whose wines I have not had chance to write-up for a Wine Advocate report, I take the liberty of singling-out oenologist-negociant Jeff Carrell’s 2009 Puydeval - a blend of Cabernet Franc with some Syrah and Merlot grown near Carcasonne - because it once again offers outstanding value such as I cannot over-look. (And yes, geographically this ought to have been reported on in issue 195.) Having enjoyed ten months rather than the full year in barrel granted its two predecessors, this hasn’t suffered. Scents of machine oil, cherry, and scrub on the nose usher in a palate of polished, even silken texture possessed of generously juicy dark cherry tinged with the bitterness if its pit as well as cocoa powder and pungent herbs. This strong-finisher should perform admirably for at least the next 18 months." 89 points - David Schildknecht - Wine Advocate

WINE:
"A distinctive blend crafted by winemaker Jeff Carrel, Puydeval is based on Cabernet Franc, which thrives in the cooler microclimates of the generally hot Languedoc region of Southern France. This iconic, eponymous, and admittedly unusual wine has quickly gained a fervent following for its originality and for delivering outstanding value."

"Vineyards planted in clay/limestone and ancient alluvial terroirs in the cooler microclimates of the generally hot Languedoc region of Southern France. Vines average 25 years in age. Fermentation began naturally with indigenous yeasts. A portion of the wine was run directly into barrels for primary fermentation, the balance was fermented in cuves. Matured 10 months in 1 and 2 year old oak barrels (American oak for the Merlot, French oak for the Cabernet Franc and Syrah). Unfiltered for added complexity."

"Big, rich, concentrated and intense. A ripe, polished and well-balanced wine, offering spicy aromas of black cherry and blackberry, with hints of anise, and just a touch of earthy character. A truly original red, it will complement most meals, especially pizza, elaborate burgers, grilled portabella mushrooms or lamb kabobs."

WINERY:
"A gem in winemaker/oenologist Jeff Carrel's eclectic portfolio, Puydeval has become a favorite among Hand Picked Selections' wines. Sales have been so strong that an oak-aged, white blend and a ripe, rich Languedoc Syrah are being added to the range, though the original eponymous red blend, based on Cabernet Franc, will always remain the flagship."

This was also rated 86 points by the Wine Spectator.