La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2018
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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 metallic oxides. The powerful winds blowing through this appellation have a positive impact on the maturation and concentration of the grapes.
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Vineyard Profile
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La Rochelle is a circular vineyard located on the southern slope of the Vérillats hill, directly in the wind corridor. It is south exposed and the slope is of 8%. The soil combines granitic sands in surface and clay in the underlayer.
- Viticulture: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management.
- Size: 4.218 hectares (10.43 acres)
- Vine Age: 80+-year old vines
- Soil: Granitic sands, deeper than the Vérillats
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare (4,047 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from August 31 – September 10, in small 30-liter containers; two sorting table positioned before the destemmer.
- Yields: 25 hectoliters per hectare (less than 2 tons per acre)
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Vinification
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75% whole cluster; 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.
- Aging: 12 months; 30% French oak barrels, 70% stainless steel, then six months in stainless steel tank before bottling, oak chosen from the Allier and Vosges forests.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
- Optimum Drinking: 6+ years, with gradual development over the years. Younger wines should be poured into a carafe one hour before serving.
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Tasting Notes
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Aromas of violets and ripe red fruits open to a palate of black plum, juicy cherry and concentrated spice. A gamay with powerful tannins to carry this wine through years of elegant aging.
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Images
Reviews
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2018 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points
A 13-acre vineyard near the top of the Moulin-à-Vent slope has produced this dense and rich wine. Powerful tannins and black plum and cherry fruits are developing, but still young.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2018 – James Suckling – 92 Points
Floral and delicately spicy with a hint of ripe mulberry, this is a sophisticated and elegant wine with a long, graceful finish. The healthy tannins give it some aging potential.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2018 – Decanter – 94 Points
From one of the leading estates in Moulin-à-Vent…Very elegant and pure in terms of floral aromas and intense dark berried fruit. Refined and classy.