La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014
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Introduction
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A specific type of granite soil (“gorrhe”) overlays the deeper soils that are rich in manganese and metalic oxides. The powerful winds blowing through this appellation have a decisive impact on the sanitary state of the vineyards and the maturation and concentration of the grapes.
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Vineyard Profile
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Exclusively coming from the single-vineyard “la Rochelle” which is located below the neighboring terroir of “les Vérillats” (“les Vérillats is on the eastern slope of the hill), at the top of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation at 280 meters (918 feet) in altitude. La Rochelle is a circular vineyard located on the southern slope of the Vérillats hill, directly in the wind corridor.
- Viticulture: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management
- Vine Age: 80+-year old vines
- Soil: granitic sands, deeper than the Vérillats
- Orientation: South exposure; this terroir is in the wind corridor (à vent)
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare
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Vintage Report
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Very good vintage. Between maturity and acidity, the wines are very well balanced and representative of Moulin-à-Vent.
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from September 11-20 (i.e. 10 days), in small 30-liter containers; two sorting tables positioned before the destemmer
- Yields: 15 hectoliters per hectare (Normal yields in the region are 45 - 50 hl/ha, while the maximum authorized is 52 hl/ha.)
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Vinification
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100% destemmed; pumping-over during cold pre-fermentation soak and at the end of fermentation to increase roundness and finesse. Punching the cap at the beginning of fermentation; 21 days extraction to bring out the full potential of the terroirs
- Aging: 14 months, 65% new wood, medium toast; 20% in 228L barrels, 80% in 350L barrels; French oak from the Allier and Vosges forests; excellent sourcing of oak from the top coopers Taransaud and François Frères to bring out the wine’s signature aromas and tannins
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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“It initially has a more introspective bouquet that demands coaxing, but it is worth the effort as it reveals pure Morello cherry, red currant and cranberry scents that are neatly interlaced with minerals. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins. There is plenty of energy in this Moulin-à-Vent, and though it does not quite possess the length of a great vintage, it has impressive definition and focus.” 91 pts. —Neil Martin, The Wine Advocate
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Images
Reviews
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014 – James Suckling – 90 Points
Aromas of dark fruit, dried meat, white peppers and dried mushrooms follow through to a medium body. Ripe fruit and a tangy finish. Leather and light, raisin undertones at the end. Drink now.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014 – Vinous – 93 Points
Deep ruby. Powerful, deep-pitched raspberry liqueur, cherry and floral pastille aromas are lifted and sharpened by a peppery element. Rich and fleshy but energetic as well, offering appealingly sweet red fruit and spicecake flavors that show excellent concentration and are given spine by juicy acidity. Smoothly plays power off vivacity and finishes very long and sappy, with silky tannins lending shape and gentle grip.
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014 – 18.5 points – Jancis Robinson
“The colour is dense ruby with a light purple rim. Bouquet: citrus fruit (orange peel), sour cherry syrup, champignon mushrooms, earth and rock. The palate is powerful and mineral (rock and earth), with marked liquorice, excellent length..."
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2014 – 93 points – Wine & Spirits
"...you’ll find an ambitious wine with deep flavors, and a structure that provides both stature and grace. The beefy, beety, syrah-like fruit is potent and lasting, while mineral tannins lend it direction and detail. Built to cellar.”