TNs: Two From Mas Alta- '06 Artigas + Basseta

After meeting and tasting with Philippe Cambi last week and discussing, among other things, his many consulting gigs, I decided to search out some Mas Alta. I grabbed these two wines and left out the Le Creu because I was attending a tasting later that night with a number of board members. In fact I brought the open bottles of these wines to the tasting but, by the end night, we were so far done I doubt they resinated with anyone. However if someone wants to comment- go crazy!

Mas Alta Artigas 2006:
The wine was very complex for an entry level offering. I found it to be compelling and very dense. A packed mix of dried and fresh cherries, smoked meats, fully bloomed violets, shaved pencil lead and exotic blueberry compote. It was very Rhone-esque, in a good way. 90 points

Mas Alta La Basseta 2006:
While more heavily packed and structured this wine, IMO, bordered on over-done. Loads of blueberries and black cherries, kirsch, lavender, scorched earth and vanilla oak. I liked it, but less than the Aritgas and with the higher price it was no contest. And I liked it much less than the '04. Overall it is a nice wine but not classic. 90 points