Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2007
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Introduction
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Héloïse and Abélard (our other flagship red wine) are one of history’s most celebrated couples, 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 during the Middle Ages until the end of their lives, making it a symbol of enduring romantic love. The perfumed, intense but restrained character of this Syrah blend reminded us of Héloïse, whose intellect was matched by passion which, though bridled, never died.
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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: Grenache 45-plus years, Syrah 30-plus years
- Soil: Clay and limestone, very stony
- Elevation: 540 meters (1,1771 feet)
- Exposure: Grenache northwest-facing, Syrah southwest-facing
- Density: 4,800 vines/hectare (1,943 vines/acre)
- Training: Double cordon de Royat, 6 shoots per cordon
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Vintage Report
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A very cold and dry winter with a great deal of wind and frost. Rainy spring was followed by a very hot summer. Harvest was from October 8-15, one week later than the regular season with perfect weather, no rain. 2007 is a fresh and fruity vintage.
- Yields: 22 hectoliters/hectare (1.63 tons/acre)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: Cold maceration for 3 days in wooden tanks, then fermentation during 10 days with punching-down, pumping-over and délestage twice a day
- Maceration: 3 weeks maceration on skins
- Malolactic: 100%
- Barrel Aging: 11 months in mix of old and new French oak from various coopers, primarily 228-liter (60-gallon) barrels with medium and medium-plus toast
- Filtration: Unfiltered
- Fining: Unfined
- Bottle Aging: 4-5 years
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 60% Syrah, 37% Grenache, 3% Viognier
- Cases Imported: 800 cases
- Imported Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 15%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Deep ruby-red
Nose: Concentrated, rich, ripe, red fruit with notes of black pepper as well as smoke, cedar wood and sweet spices
Palate: Powerful but balanced and structured, with velvety tannins; the ripe Grenache from old vines hits high notes of red fruit, backed up by intense Syrah. - Serving Suggestions: A generous and intense wine, Héloïse is ideally suited to enjoy with lamb, red meat and roasted vegetables. Decant for several hours and serve at room temperature.
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Images
Reviews
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2007 – 90 points, Year’s Best Rhone Wines – Wine & Spirits
“This red blends 60 percent syrah with grenache and viognier, aged 11 months in oak. It’s a spicy, earthy wine, with scents of cedar and mushrooms over tangy red fruit. The flavors last, fully mature yet still vibrant. Pour it with a leg of lamb …”
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2007 – Decanter World Wine Awards, France: Bronze Winner – Decanter
"Savoury nose of fresh plums and spice, concentrated with fine tannic structure and an elegant finish."
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2007 – 90 points – Wine Spectator
“Fleshy and alluring, with delicious layers of crushed plum, anise, blackberry and black tea character, laced with graphite and espresso. Nicely integrated and very fresh despite the dark fruit profile. The long finish picks up a twinge of mesquite.”
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2007
Concentrated, rich, ripe, red-fruit aromas with black pepper, smoke, cedar wood and sweet spices. Powerful but balanced and structured, with velvety tannins; ripe Grenache from old vines hits high notes of red fruit, backed up by intense Syrah.