Chêne Bleu

Rhône, France

Abélard, AOC Ventoux — 2015

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  • Introduction

    • Flagship Grenache Blend named after the famed Philosopher Pierre Abelard to reflect its forceful, brooding intensity and showcase the opulence and concentration of our old-vine Grenache, with some Syrah to add to the complex structure.

  • Vineyard Profile

    • Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic practices, certified BeeFriendly and HVE 3 sustainable viticulture (highest tier.) No synthetic treatments, to ensure health of vines and soil
    • Vine Age: Grenache - over 60 years old; Syrah - 50 years old
    • Soil: Clay-limestone, very stony
    • Exposure: Syrah: Southwest facing; 540 meters (1,771 feet) Grenache: Northwest facing; 530meters (1,739 feet)
    • Training: Double cordon de Royat, 6 shoots per cordon
  • Vintage Report

    • The 2015 harvest was ripe and we started picking around a earlier than usual, on September 21st. The vineyard’s altitude is approximately 550m/1800ft which causes extreme temperature differences between day and night. As a result, the grapes ripen more slowly and our harvest takes place up to a month later than in the valleys below. Despite potential damage from hail at Flower set, the grapes recovered beautifully and ended the season extremely healthy, with no signs of disease, coulure, or black rot, which has been a big concern for some others in the region.

  • Vinification

    • Fermentation: In wooden tanks, with skin maceration for 5 weeks; 100% malolactic
    • Barrel Aging: 18 months in mix of old and new French oak from various coopers, primarily 228-liter (60-gallon) barrels with medium and medium-plus toast; plus 12 months in concrete tanks
    • Filtration: Unfiltered
    • Fining: Unfined
  • Technical Information

    • Varietal Composition: 80% Grenache Noir, 20% Syrah
    • Alcohol: 14.5%
  • Tasting Notes

    • Appearance: Deep, brilliant garnet
      Nose: Rich black plum and red fruits with notes of cocoa
      Palate: Full-bodied with ripe red fruits, and notes of black olives
      Finish: Long with hints of spice
      Aging Potential: 15-20 years

    • Serving Suggestions: Gamey meats like venison, or beef and lamb, and roasted vegetables. A good match for spicy dishes, salty cheeses. Decant for 2-3 hours, serve at room temperature or cooler.

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Reviews

  • Abélard, AOC Ventoux — 2015 – Decanter – 94 Points

    “Mature nose, with enjoyably complex aromas of noble woods, antique shops, forest floor and polished furniture. The fruit is present, was clearly once very ripe as it still has a slightly pruny edge to it. Lovely harmonious feel however, with well-integrated oak and acidity. This is drinking well now, offers some genuine complexity, and is likely at peak drinking. Very fine tannins and a good sense of freshness help the wine stand up straight.”

  • Abélard, AOC Ventoux — 2015 – Jeb Dunnuck – 97 Points

    “It's a brilliant Grenache offering perfumed notes of kirsch liqueur, truffles, herbes de Provence, and white flowers that develop beautifully with air. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied red with a seamless, layered mouthfeel, beautifully polished, fine tannins, and a rare mix of richness and elegance. You could safely put this up against the best Châteauneuf du Pape or Gigondas out there and it will do just fine, although its incredible sense of limestone-like minerality puts it much closer to Gigondas in style. It has another decade of prime drinking ahead of it.”

  • Abélard, AOC Ventoux — 2015 – Wine Spectator – 91 Points

    “Supple and refined, with steeped black cherry and smoked plum liberally dusted with pepper. Smoky and brooding, showing a cool menthol note and tomato leaf herbaceous character.”

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