Abélard, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009
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Introduction
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Abélard, one of the most distinguished philosophers of medieval times, is most remembered for his tragic romance with the gifted young Héloïse. One of history’s most celebrated couples, Héloïse and Abélard are known for their intellectual brilliance, passionate love affair, eloquent letters and the tragedy that cruelly separated them. Sometimes referred to as “the Romeo and Juliet of France,” they were actually far more complex and accomplished individuals, and their love spanned many decades until the end of their lives, making it a symbol of enduring romantic love. This complex, brooding Grenache-blend from older vines seems worthy of Abélard, who combined erudition with deep thinking and a near-fatal attraction.
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Vineyard Profile
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Estate vineyard
- Cultivation: Organic and biodynamic practices
- Size: A total of approximately 30 hectares are under cultivation (74 acres) at Chêne Bleu, from which all the wines are produced
- Vine Age: 45-plus years
- Soil: Clay and limestone, very stony
- Elevation: 530 meters (1,739 feet)
- Exposure: Northwest-facing slopes
- Density: 4,200 vines/hectare (1,700 vines/acre)
- Training: Double cordon de Royat, 6 shoots per cordon
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Vintage Report
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A very cold winter with five times the normal amount of snowfall contrasted a very hot summer, resulting in much riper fruit than usual.
- Yields: 20 hl/ha (1.48 tons/acre)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: In wooden tanks, with skin maceration for 5 weeks; 100% malolactic
- Maceration: 5 weeks on skins
- Malolactic: 100%
- 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 12months in concrete tanks
- Filtration: Unfiltered
- Fining: Unfined
- Bottle Aging: 2 years
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 85% Grenache, 15% Syrah
- Cases Imported: 500 cases
- Imported Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 15%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Very deep ruby
Nose: Abélard’s rich brooding character lifts from the glass, displaying ripe blackberry,
clove, licorice and black pepper
Palate: Rich and concentrated; blackberry and morello cherries; spicy and silky - Serving Suggestions: Enjoy with roast beef, venison, duck and roasted vegetables. Decant for several hours and serve at room temperature.
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Images
Reviews
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Abélard, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009 – 92 points – Vinous
“Saturated ruby. An assertively perfumed bouquet evokes ripe black and blue fruits, along with hints of licorice, violet pastille and peppery spices. Sweet, palate-staining cassis and boysenberry flavors become spicier as the wine opens up...”
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Abélard, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009
A very deep ruby. Abélard’s rich brooding character lifts from the glass, displaying ripe blackberry, clove, licorice and black pepper. It is rich, concentrated, spicy and silky with blackberry and morello cherry flavors.
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Abélard, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009 – 92 points – The Tasting Panel
"Smooth with black raspberry and cherry; ripe, rich and tangy; aromatic and intense with notes of earth and spice; long and generous."
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Abélard, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009 – 18 points – JancisRobinson.com
"Lifted aroma of very small dark berries – like elderberry but not as wild. There's a slightly bloody and meaty quality to this as well, with time a touch of leather. Really savoury and dark on the palate, the tannins super-fine and dry like a fine…”