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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...
Lirac, Rasteau, Vacqueyras, Beaumes de Venise, Cairanne, Roaix.
Ageing10 months in one and two vintages old barrels, and 8 months in foudre. Allier and Tronçais.
Vinification1/3 non destemmed.
Organic Farming.
14,5°C
Decant an hour before tasting.
This Cuvée enters once more another dimension. This, as the result of an impor-tant amount of “downgraded” Crus, grown on sands, obviously. The Wine gains depth, delicacy. Great success !
14,5%
BottlingWithout fining and filtration.
CépagesGrenache : 65 % Syrah : 25 % Mourvèdre : 10 %
Always a terrific wine, the 2017 Côtes du Rhône Guy Louis (60% Grenache, 25% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre brought up in once- and twice-used foudres) offers impressive notes of cassis, dried flowers, and spice, with just a hint of background oak. Drink this medium-bodied, elegant 2017 on release and over the following 4-5 years.
Jeb Dunnuck
, 89-91/100
, 2018-08-28
Slightly muddy crimson – a little paler than Les Becs Fins. Also sweeter and a little herbier and less intense. Arguably more ‘new wave’ and definitely more backward. No shortage of alcohol and tannin! I would cellar this for a while.
Jancis Robinson
, 16,5/20
, 2018-10-22
Guide Bettane et Desseauve des vins de France
, 16/20
, 2019-08-31
Singed anise and black tea notes lead the way, backed by a core of raspberry coulis. The well-focused finish reveals a flicker of shiso leaf.
James Molesworth
Wine Spectator
, 89/100
, 2019-11-30