La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012
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Vineyard Profile
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Exclusively coming from the single-vineyard “la Rochelle” which is located below the neighboring terroir of “les Vérillats” (“les Vérillats is on the eastern slope of the hill), at the top of the Moulin-à-Vent appellation at 280 meters (918 feet) in altitude. La Rochelle is a circular vineyard located on the southern slope of the Vérillats hill, directly in the wind corridor.
- Cultivation: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management
- Size: 4.218 hectares (10.43 acres)
- Vine Age: 70-year old vines
- Soil: granitic sands, deeper than the Vérillats
- Orientation: South exposure; this terroir is in the wind corridor (à vent)
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare
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Vintage Report
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A difficult vintage with very heterogeneous maturity. Even when it means fewer bottles, Château du Moulin-à-Vent has a serious policy regarding quality and meticulous grape selection and sorting. This is all the more true for challenging vintages such as 2012, when ripening is uneven and harvesting must be very selective.
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from September 13 - 24, in small 30-liter containers; sorting table positioned before the destemmer
- Yields: 16 hectoliters per hectare (Normal yields in the region are 45 - 50 hl/ha, while the maximum authorized is 52 hl/ha.)
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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“It initially has a more introspective bouquet that demands coaxing, but it is worth the effort as it reveals pure Morello cherry, red currant and cranberry scents that are neatly interlaced with minerals. The palate is medium-bodied with slightly chalky tannins. There is plenty of energy in this Moulin-à-Vent, and though it does not quite possess the length of a great vintage, it has impressive definition and focus.” 91 pts.
—Neil Martin, The Wine Advocate
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Images
Reviews
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012 – 91-93 points – The Drunken Cyclist
“Both richer and fruitier on the nose than the previous. Rich raspberry preserves mostly which continues on the palate there is also noticeable tannins here that nicely frame the finish. Wonderful now with quite a life ahead…”
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012 – 90 points – Terroirist
“Bright ruby color. Vibrant aromas of strawberries, red cherries and tart plums, along with roses, bay leaf, pepper, and dusty earth. Dusty tannic structure with crisp acidity and a bright, clean appeal. Tart red cherries, strawberries, red plums…”
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012 – 93 points – thefermentedfruit.com
“…Slightly fuller in body than the Croix des Verillats with layers of dark red fruit, licorice and subtle spices unfolding alongside zesty acidity and taut, chalky tannins. Replete with exciting tension and energy…”
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2012 – 91 points – International Wine Review
“Dark ruby in color … displays earthy dark plum aromas with a soft and silky mouth feel. On the palate it exhibits intense dry fruit flavors, medium acidity, firm tannins and a persistent finish…”