Rather introverted in spite of an unquestionable potential...
The vintage

In 2007, the challenging, pretty wet, conditions leading up to the end of Spring,
resulted in disease pressure in the vineyards. Combined with the potentially higher yields of the year, this reminded the observant Vignerons of testing vintages of the past.
Providentially, Summer was remarkably dry. A formidable sunshine and a sustained wind - although less fierce than in the preceding years - thus cleansed the Vineyards of any disease.
Even better : in these ideal conditions, the harvest began 120 days after flowering. It is exceptional that there is so long a period of time between flowering and harvesting - normally 100 days.
The harvest was drawn out. The conscientious Vignerons harvested “à la carte”, parcel by parcel, taking into account a complex heterogeneity, linked to the various maturing pace of each cépage, and to the greater or lesser precocity of each Terroir.
An impeccable sanitary state, and fresh nights, allowed the collection of perfect grapes, ideally healthy. And, cool temperatures made it possible to start slow vinifications under optimal conditions.
A subtle balance between fruit, crispness, and finesse of the tannins. The extraction of colour in the cuves never was this easy. The aromatic profiles are complex, powerful, without a hint of over ripeness. The tannins appear to be fine, round, and mellow.
Less imposing than in 2005, but amply sufficient, these tannins let anticipate a keeping Vintage. Yet, the most striking feature of 2007 is the purity of perfect fruit - the volatile acidities are the lowest ever recorded - a promise of a radiant expression of the Vins Rouges, and even more so, of the Vins Blancs.
The involvement and the know-how of the real Vignerons. In 2007, a number of Vignerons of the Vallée du Rhône, the best ones, redoubled efforts, so that their grapes reached a Quality close to perfection. Indeed, the work of the man can be decisive... unless the Vintage is “obvious” from the start, a case which is not so frequent ! The battle of authenticity, and of excellence, is to be attained in the Vineyards. Starting with the soils.
More than ever, being a Vigneron, is being able to “listen to” Nature. This way only, the challenge of adapting the Vineyards to the climatic changes will be won...

Terroir

La Crau, les Serres, le Belvédère.

Ageing

Allier and Tronçais new oak and one Wine casks

Vinification

100% destemmed

Tasting

Discrete flavours of exotic fruits and white flowers. Though very concentrated and powerful, this Wine shows a great balance. After two years cellaring, it will display its full expression.

Alcohol content

14%

Bottling

Manually, light filtration.

Cépages

Grenache blanc : 50 %
Roussanne : 50 %

This Southerm Rhône blend of Roussanne and Grenache Blanc spent 20 months in new and used French oak barrels. A massive mineral character coexists with an ebullient fruit profile of banana, mango, kiwi, and strawberry. The long finish displays tannins reminiscent of white tea.

Brett Anderson
Robb Report , 2009-10-01

Clearly modern, offering lush macadamia, Cavaillon melon and buttered brioche notes, but also superpure and fine, with blazing minerality and a long, graceful, floral-filled finish. A beauty for its combination of weight and precision.

James Molesworth
Wine Spectator , 93/100 , 2009-04-30

With air, notes of bay, lemon, wax and wheat come up from underneath the rich, smoky apricot fruit. The acidity cuts through it, letting the wine finish clean.

Wine & Spirit , 90/100 , 2009-06-01

Light gold. Exotically perfumed nose offers white peach, apricot, floral honey and minerals; reminded me a lot of Condrieu. Broad and gently sweet, with deep pit fruit and melon flavors and a refreshing jolt of bitter citrus zest. Very elegant wine with excellent finishing lift and cut.

Josh Raynolds
Stephen Tanzers International Wine Cellar , 91/100 , 2009-02-01