Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009
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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 winter with five times the normal amount of snowfall, contrasted a very hot summer, resulting in much riper fruit than usual.
- Harvest Date(s): September 21-October 8
- Yields: 1`8 hl/ha (1.33 tons/acre)
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Vinification
- Fermentation: In wooden tanks, with skin maceration for 5 weeks; 100% malolactic
- Maceration: 5 weeks maceration on skins
- Malolactic: 100%
- Aging: 7-10 years
- Barrel Aging: 16 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
- Bottle Aging: 2 years
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 60% Syrah, 36% Grenache, 4% Viognier
- Cases Imported: 500 cases
- Imported Case Pack: 6/750ml
- Alcohol: 15%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Deep ruby-red
Nose: Concentrated and rich, with notes of mocha, vanilla, toasted almonds and truffle
Palate: Rich and concentrated; full-bodied with silky tannins and notes of ripe, red fruits; a long and rich finish - 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 – 2009 – 92 points – Vinous
“Dark ruby. Highly fragrant, smoke-accented aromas of ripe black and blue fruits, licorice and violet … This expressive, intensely flavored wine finishes with powerful thrust, harmonious tannins and outstanding persistence.”
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009 – 90 points – The Tasting Panel
"Smooth and juicy with aromatic notes and lush texture; bright, dense and balanced; ripe plum and cassis, long and rich."
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009 – 17.5 points – JancisRobinson.com
“Deep crimson. Red-fruited and sweet smelling but also an unexpected hint of non-sweet strawberry and orange. Ripe and a little chewy in texture rather than in flavour, and even with all the depth of fruit there is still a rocky character.”
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Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2009 – 92 points – Wine Spectator
"This has heft and cut, with blueberry, plum and black currant fruit. Charcoal and graphite notes impart spine, driving everything through the violet- and mesquite-framed finish. Combines power and freshness. Syrah, Grenache and Viognier."