Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012
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Vineyard Profile
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This flagship wine is produced from selections of the harvest from five of the finest vineyards of the estate:
Le Moulin-à-Vent: the most emblematic terroir located around the historical windmill; relatively flat with an eastern exposure
La Rochelle: a circular-shaped, sloping terroir with a southern exposure, in the corridor of blowing winds; very old vines, 70+ years old
La Roche: eastern exposure, veins of red iron oxides coming through; old vines, 60+ years old
Les Thorins: southern exposure
Les Caves: shallow soils with an eastern exposure; very old vines, 70+ years old - Appellation: Moulin-à-Vent
- Cultivation: Organic without official certification; natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management
- Viticulture: Goblet pruning and trellising
- Vine Age: Average age of 55 years
- Elevation: 240-280 meters (787-918 feet)
- Exposure: Southeastern
- Density: 9,600 vines/hectare (3,887 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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2012 was a challenging year in the region, with variable weather patterns during the summer months. Cool temperatures alternated with warm, humid conditions, requiring constant vigilance in the vineyards.
- Harvest Date(s): September 13-24
- Yields: 16 hl/ha (2.67 tons/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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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; 100% indigenous yeast
- Aging: 40% of the wine was aged 11 months in 350-liter barrels (20% new): medium toast; French oak from the Allier and Vosges forests; 60% of the wine was aged 11 months in stainless steel
- Coopers: Taransaud and François Frères
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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A handsome, deep red color with purple tints and lovely aromas, with perfectly mature red and black fruit, hints of spice and floral notes of rose, peony and violet. Good body with fine tannins and good length. Rich, corpulent and complex, finishing on a spicy note.
Cellaring Potential: 5-10 years, with gradual development over the years. - Serving Suggestions: Serve with rib of beef, white rind cheese, red fruit tarts.
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Images
Reviews
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012 – 90 points – Vinous
“… Juicy and incisive, offering bitter cherry and black currant flavors given spine by juicy acidity. Shows very good energy and zesty cut on the long, gently tannic finish, which hangs on with impressive, spicy persistence.”
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012
"A handsome, deep red color with purple tints and lovely aromas, with perfectly mature red and black fruit, hints of spice and floral notes of rose, peony and violet. Good body with fine tannins and good length. Rich, corpulent and complex…"
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012 – 91 points – Wine Spectator
"Creamed black cherry, spiced plum and lavender flavors weave together in this charming red, with cool mineral, licorice and herbal notes gliding into the mouthwatering finish."