Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent – 2017
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Vineyard Profile
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Champ de Cour is located on a plateau between the hills of the windmill and of Fleurie, with an eastern exposure. The granite surface rocks force the roots to dig down deeply to seek their nutrients. Its clay-rich soil contains five minerals, giving the wine its unique character. The powerful winds blowing on the appellation have a decisive impact on the maturation and concentration of the berries, and depth that give the wine its instantly recognizable intensity.
- Vineyards: ‘Champ de Cour’ stands at the bottom of the hill below the windmill. The top soil is made of alluvium and clearer colored clay. Deep and heavier than in the rest of the appellation, it retains more water which scarcely stops the ripening process.
- Viticulture: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management; thanks to the exceptionally clement weather, only five biological treatments of the vines were used this year.
- Size: 3.3 hectares (8.1 acres)
- Vine Age: 35-year old vines
- Soil: Deep granitic soils, rich with clay
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare (4,047 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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2017 was a difficult vintage. An optimal start to the growing season was disrupted by untimely hail in July. This resulted in a lower than usual yield (15 hl/ha). The wines are concentrated, dense, spicy and powerful.
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from September 6–13, in small 30-liter containers; one sorting table positioned before the destemmer.
- Yields: 15 hectoliters per hectare. Less than 1 ton per acre. (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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20% destemmed; pumping-over during cold prefermentation 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: 12 months, 100% French oak barrels then 4 months in stainless steel tank before bottling, medium toast; oak chosen from the Allier forests; excellent sourcing of oak from the top coopers, Taransaud and François Frères, to bring out the wine’s signature aromas and tannins. The origin, grain and toast intensity are chosen according to the characteristics of the vintage.
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13.0%
- Optimum Drinking: 9+ 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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The deep red color of the wine offers the first hint of its massive concentration. The nose is an explosion of red fruit, with roasted and spicy (pepper and saffron) notes. A full-bodied wine of considerable elegance, lively tannins and superb length, with a mineral finish.
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Images
Reviews
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent – 2017 – Wine Spectator – 93 Points
Elegantly textured, with glossy tannins encasing raspberry coulis and ripe cherry notes infused with black tea, orange zest, licorice and sleek mineral details. A serious wine that should age well. Drink now through 2030.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent – 2017 – Wine & Spirits – 93 Points
This grows at an eight-acre parcel at the base of the hill in Thorins, where the soil is deeper and holds more water than in the vineyards on the slope. While hail severly cut back the 2017 crop, the fruit that remained created a formidable wine. It cascades with fruit up front, before the tannins tighten around all that floral intensity. Then, with air, it opens further, yielding scents of figs, plums and strawberries, still tight, but the racy fruit flavors last. Decant the bottle if you open it now, to serve with roast squab and wild mushroom.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent – 2017 – Wine Enthusiast – 93 Points
A small harvest because of hail has produced this richly concentrated wine. Dense tannins and impressive black fruits are layered with acidity and a tensely structured character. The wine should be aged further to reveal its full panoply of flavors. Drink from 2022.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent Champ de Cour, Moulin-à-Vent – 2017 – Jancis Robinson – 16.5+ Points
Mid crimson. Bottled. This was the only cuvée they were able to make in 2017 because of the hail. Red fruit but a little darker than the château blend. A little more spicy. Concentrated fruit on the mid palate, very good depth and intensity and the oak spice just hinted at. Really long and with freshness to the finish. Needs time.