Domaine des Aires Hautes cultivates its vineyards in Minervois‑La Livinière in the southern Languedoc, where hillside soils rich in limestone and clay combine with a Mediterranean climate of warm days and cooler nights to give the Clos de l’Escandil 2000 a distinct sense of place. The site benefits from the influence of the Montagne Noire to the north, whose cooler nighttime air currents slow ripening and intensify the aromatics of the harvested fruit.

The Clos de l’Escandil 2000 is a selective single-vineyard cuvée uniting the classic grape varieties Syrah, Grenache Noir, and Mourvèdre in harmonious balance. The grapes were harvested by hand from old, low-yielding parcels to ensure a dense, complex fruit profile, while maturation in oak enhanced structure and depth. The 2000 vintage yielded ripe, balanced berries that produced a powerful yet finely knit tannic framework with good acid balance, creating remarkable aging potential.

In the glass, the Clos de l’Escandil 2000 displays a dark, warm ruby-red color. The nose opens with aromas of ripe black fruits such as blackberry and cassis, complemented by notes of plum, licorice, and Mediterranean herbs, flanked by delicate hints of spice and tobacco. On the palate, the wine feels concentrated yet poised, with clearly defined fruit, supportive, vibrant acidity, and seamlessly integrated tannins. The mineral imprint of the terroir lends length and depth to the finish, while the texture remains polished and nuanced.

Today, the Clos de l’Escandil 2000 is in a mature drinking window in which tertiary aromas meld harmoniously with the primary fruit without losing structure. Stored under optimal conditions, this wine can continue to be enjoyed at a high level, exemplifying the long-lived, terroir-driven signature of Domaine des Aires Hautes.