Vinifié without sulfur, without filtration. The fruit remains intact, pure. An attractive Wine for thirst - Vin de soif !
The vintage

If we look at the half empty glass - or tank -, frustration, and even sadness, will overwhelm us : historically small yields in France. The lowest of the post-war years. Cellars are empty. Clearly, one has to state that climate hazards, methodically, worked against us this year, in a succession of definitely adverse events : an abnormally cool spring caused frost, then grape shatter, on all of Rhone cépages, and, more particularly, Grenache. This cruel Spring followed up on a dauntingly dry summer… In the end, the yields in juice are tragically affected. The Wine grower’s job becomes tightrope walker’s job… without a net. These realities being called to mind, if we now look at the half full glass - and it is our nature to be optimistic -, the words which will come to me are relief, and even… enthusiasm ! These very challenging conditions indeed gave birth to first juices of so brilliant a Quality as they do better than just console us : they succeed in enticing, the Vignerons and us… !
The vines had naturally little load : they reacted magnificently to the extreme conditions of the year. The plant was able to bring its fruit to maturity, without big constraint, in an optimal way. The Wines promise to be splendidly well-balanced !
Year climatically unbalanced, but Cuvées showing balance… the Bourgogne way ! This, by the grace of Old Grenache, which brought to the highest level the singular personality of the real Rhone Wine. Wines are scented, refined...

Terroir

Gard

Type of soil

Round pebbles.

Ageing

Ageing 10 months in concrete tanks.

Winemaking

100% destemmed

Serving

14°C

Tasting

Very detached Style, no artifice. Lush Cuvée with a pure fruit…

Alcohol content

14,5%

Bottling

Without fining and filtration.

Cépages

Syrah : 60 %
Grenache

Purplish crimson. Rich and herbal – one whiff and I’m back down in the southern Rhône! Sweet start and already almost drinkable in terms of fruit ripeness and weight, even if there is quite a framework of tannin. Something serious and medicinal. Long.

Jancis Robinson , 16+/20 , 2018-10-22

Friendly cherry paste and licorice notes are laced with a subtle lavender hint. Offers an easy, silky finish.

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator , 87/100 , 2019-11-30