La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2021
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Introduction
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WINERY: Located in the southernmost tip of the Burgundy region, Moulin-à-Vent was one of the first appellations awarded AOC status in 1936. Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent, named for the 300-year-old stone windmill atop the hill of Les Thorins, dates back to 1732, when it was called Chateau des Thorins.
WINE: These wines are crafted in the traditional style of the region, without utilizing carbonic maceration. They offer a level of structure and complexity that is on par with the wines from Côte de Nuits or Northern Rhône.
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Vineyard Profile
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‘La Rochelle” is sourced from arguably the top single vineyard in the appellation. It sits at 280m in altitude with vines that are over 80 years old. The low-yielding vines create intensely concentrated wines that have serious ageing potential.
- Cultivation: Sustainable; Organic cultivation without official certification
- Vine Age: 80+ years
- Soil: Granite soil - rich in iron oxide and manganese
- Orientation: South exposure
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare (4,047 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
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A late year with varying levels of ripeness and low yields caused by spring frost and humidity. Gradual but successful ripening on granitic soils.
- Yields: From 10,000 - 12,500 vines/hectare
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Vinification
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Traditional vinification without sulphites: one pumping over per day and a punching down during fermentation to release extra juice (and get a homogeneous pumping over.) Low fermentation temperatures (max 25°C). Total duration, from 15 to 18 days.
- Aging: 9 months in 50% French oak, (no new), then 9 months in stainless steel tank before bottling
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir (70% de-stemmed)
- Alcohol: 13%
- TA: 3.15 g/L
- p H: 3.65
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Tasting Notes
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Aromas of violets and ripe red fruits. On the palate, you’ll taste flavors of black plum, juicy cherry, and concentrated spice. There is also a more vegetal profile with aromas of sage and gentian, as well as hints of gunflint. Overall, the wine is massive, powerful, and has strong tannins.
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Images
Reviews
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2021 – Wine Enthusiast – 96 Points
"Moulin-à-Vent stands on its own and is worthy of the Premier Cru status it is seeking. Beautiful, savory aromas greet you on the nose with shy raspberry resting in the wings whispering to Darjeeling tea, dried hay and black plum. The midpalate is a lesson in complexity, even-handedness and restraint. Chateau du Moulin-à-Vent proprietor Éduoard Parinet says, “I want to bring Moulin-à-Vent back to the Grand Cru reputation it deserves,” and he is doing so indeed with gorgeous wines like this one that you don't want to stop sipping."
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2021 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
"Power builds in this intriguing red, with raspberry coulis and red currant flavors flanked by cool mineral tones, all growing in intensity -- though staying elegant. Simmers with notes of smoke, grilled herbs and sandalwood, while white pepper and pretty floral hints line the close."
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La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2021 – Wine Advocate – 91 Points
“The 2021 Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle is compelling on the nose with aromas of dried rose petals, Earl Grey tea, rosewood tree bark and cherries. The palate is medium to full-bodied with a blackberry core, tinged with orange rinds. It has a soft, velvety texture, lingering on the palate uniformly, leading to a finish that dissolves with a hopeful fleck of wet stone.”