Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2010
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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
- Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic practices
- Vine Age: Grenache - over 40 years old; Syrah - 30 years old
- Soil: Clay and limestone, very stony
- Elevation: Grenache - 530 meters (1,738 feet); Syrah - 540 meters (1,771 feet)
- Exposure: Grenache - northwest facing; Syrah - southwest facing
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Vinification
- Fermentation: In wooden tanks, with skin maceration for 5 weeks; 100% malolactic
- 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 12 months in concrete tanks
- Filtration: Unfiltered
- Fining: Unfined
- Bottle Aging: 2 years
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 63% Syrah, 35% Grenache, 2% Viognier
- Alcohol: 14%
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Tasting Notes
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Appearance: Deep garnet red
Nose: Concentrated and rich, with notes of sweet spice, liquorice, prunes and a hint of truffle
Palate: Full-bodied and round with silky tannins
Finish: Rich and long - Serving Suggestions: Ideally suited to be enjoyed with lamb, red meat and roasted vegetables Decant for 2-3 hours and serve at room temperature.
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Images
Reviews
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Chêne Bleu Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2010 – The Wine Advocate – 93 Points
The 2010 Heloise is another in a string of fabulous wines from this estate located high up in the Ventoux. The smoky, herbal aromas are reminiscent of Côte Rôtie, and in many ways, this is a more northern expression of the Rhône. It's lithe and medium-bodied, with a silky mouthfeel and long, espresso-tinged finish, all imparting a sense of easy elegance to this blend of Syrah, Grenache and Viognier. It can be drunk now and over the next decade or more.
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Chêne Bleu Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2010 – Vinous – 93 Points
Opaque ruby. Highly fragrant, mineral-accented aromas of ripe dark fruits, candied licorice and woodsmoke develop an Indian spice nuance in the glass. Fleshy and impressively concentrated but energetic as well, offering bitter cherry and boysenberry flavors that become sweeter with air. Finishes with strong, mineral-driven persistence and velvety tannins that sneak up slowly.
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Chêne Bleu Héloïse, Vin de Pays du Vaucluse – 2010 – Jancis Robinson – 17.5 Points
Unusual on the nose because it has lots of peppery Syrah character but also a definite red-fruit quality. Beautifully fine texture, great restraint, although it opens up in the glass to a more fragrant side and marked persistence. It smells really cool even though the wine itself is room temperature. Still youthful but coming into its stride, fresh and cool on the finish.
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Chêne Bleu Vin de Pays de Vaucluse “Héloïse” – 2010 – Wine Spectator – 90 Points
Mature, with gently mulled cherry, currant and plum fruit flavors infused with mocha, anise and juniper notes. The structure is fine-grained and well-integrated. Shy on vibrancy but still solid. Syrah, Grenache and Viognier. Drink now through 2020.