The intro-level cuvee now bottled by J. F. Lurton from their Chateau des Erles, their 2009 Fitou Cuvee des Ardoises is informed by young Syrah and middle-aged Grenache and Carignan, and matured in barriques, one-third new. Concentrated scents and flavors of blackberry and mulberry are subtly tinged with vanilla and resin and mingled with a soy-like salinity and savor that compliments the fresh berry juiciness of the finish. Hints of crushed stone and fruit pit add a slightly somber note and a tart berry edge - especially welcome in this torrid vintage - an extra measure of invigoration. In contrast with what I experienced in the Lurtons' Roussillon wines (see under Mas Janeil in the accompanying report in this issue), the wood here is well-integrated and engenders little drying, although only time in bottle will demonstrate whether the fine-grained but quite evident tannin that's present here serves any end. My intuition is to plan on drinking this over the next 3-4 years. Imported by Ex Cellars Wine Agencies, Cambridge, MA; tel. (617) 876-5105