Presentation
The vintage
In the spring, contrasting, predominantly humid weather conditions, and ensuant cryptogamic pressures, rekindle still fresh memories, feeding the concerns of conscious Vignerons. The threatening shadow of 2018 hangs over the heads… A fear exacerbated by the prospect of a bountiful harvest, an aggravating factor in this circumstance… In hindsight, these rather substantial spring rains will prove to be beneficial, contributing to the replenishment of water reserves.
Indeed, a terribly dry summer period will follow this rather wet start of the year. Dry once again. Once more. Bitter observation : 2020 is the third year in a row to suffer so badly from harsh drought… Fortunately, the nights are cool. As a result, the few “mean” rains granted by Mother Nature become “life-saving” blessings. The vines survive, adapt… And this is relevant to epigenetics, according to the learned term used by one of our Confreres…
However, as the harvest approaches, while “technological maturity” soars, the actual phenolic maturity remains at a standstill… This phenomenon chiefly affects early sectors, young vines, and substantially loaded vines : at the dawn of the harvest, Vignerons are thus facing a “Cornelian dilemma”…
Uncommon occurrence, the wisest of the Vignerons, they who take the risk of awaiting the famous “equinoctial rains”, will not necessarily benefit from their fortitude. One could therefore state that, in 2020, Virtue was not rewarded. One exception to confirm the Rule... Yet, hard, extremely hard finding for a year that proves to be exceptional in its own special way… Only the Very Old Vines, meticulously worked, meet the expectations of the most demanding Vignerons. At the cost of low to extremely low yields... Nevertheless, by the grace of their deep roots, once again, the Very Old Vines recall that they are the key to success, in an odd Vintage too !
Indeed, a terribly dry summer period will follow this rather wet start of the year. Dry once again. Once more. Bitter observation : 2020 is the third year in a row to suffer so badly from harsh drought… Fortunately, the nights are cool. As a result, the few “mean” rains granted by Mother Nature become “life-saving” blessings. The vines survive, adapt… And this is relevant to epigenetics, according to the learned term used by one of our Confreres…
However, as the harvest approaches, while “technological maturity” soars, the actual phenolic maturity remains at a standstill… This phenomenon chiefly affects early sectors, young vines, and substantially loaded vines : at the dawn of the harvest, Vignerons are thus facing a “Cornelian dilemma”…
Uncommon occurrence, the wisest of the Vignerons, they who take the risk of awaiting the famous “equinoctial rains”, will not necessarily benefit from their fortitude. One could therefore state that, in 2020, Virtue was not rewarded. One exception to confirm the Rule... Yet, hard, extremely hard finding for a year that proves to be exceptional in its own special way… Only the Very Old Vines, meticulously worked, meet the expectations of the most demanding Vignerons. At the cost of low to extremely low yields... Nevertheless, by the grace of their deep roots, once again, the Very Old Vines recall that they are the key to success, in an odd Vintage too !
Terroir
La Crau, Les Gardioles, Maupertuis, Coste Froide, Bois Dauphin, Font de Michelle
Ageing
12 months in one old barrels. Then 12 months in foudre - Allier and Tronçais
Winemaking
1/2 not destemmed
Varietals
Grenache noir : 80%
Mourvèdre : 15%
Syrah : 5%
Mourvèdre : 15%
Syrah : 5%
Specifications
Alcohol content : 14,5% % vol.
Bottling : Without fining and very light filtration.
Age of vines : Grenache : 80 to 100 years - Mourvèdre : 60 to 80 years - Syrah : 50 years years old
Advice
Serving
14°C
Decant 2 hours before tasting.
Decant 2 hours before tasting.
Reviews
"Ripe and succulent, this is laden with a mix of linzer torte, blackberry and mulberry flavors that hold center stage from start to finish. This is also driven by a buried graphite note and flanked by alluring black tea and singed anise, with late mineral and shiso leaf hints leaving an alluring echo. Built for the cellar."
