La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2015
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Introduction
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A specific type of granite soil (“gorrhe”) overlays the deeper soils that are rich in manganese and metalic oxides. The powerful winds blowing through this appellation have a decisive impact on the sanitary state of the vineyards and the maturation and concentration of the grapes.
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Vineyard Profile
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La Rochelle is a circular vineyard located on the southern slope of the Vérillats hill, directly in the wind corridor. It is south exposed and the slope is of 8%. The soil combines granitic sands in surface and clay in the underlayer.
- Viticulture: Lutte raisonnée (“reasoned protection”): natural soil amendments, manual weed control and integrated pest management
- Size: 4.218 hectares (10.43 acres)
- Vine Age: 80+-year old vines
- Density: 10,000 vines/hectare
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Vintage Report
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2015 is the vintage of the century. Berries were of perfect ripeness, from skin to seeds. The wines are rich, concentrated, powerful. Capable of remarkable ageing.
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from August 27 –September 2, in small 30-liter containers; one sorting table positioned before the destemmer
- Yields: 20 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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Vinification
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100% destemmed; pumping-over during cold pre-fermentation soak and at the end of fermentation to increase roundness and finesse. Punching the cap at the beginning of fermentation; 21 days extraction to bring out the full potential of the terroirs
- Aging: 12 months, 65% aged in oak, with 50% of new oak.; French oak from the Allier and Vosges forests; excellent sourcing of oak from the top coopers Taransaud and François Frères to bring out the wine’s signature aromas and tannins
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Technical Information
- Varietal Composition: 100% Gamay Noir
- Alcohol: 13%
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Tasting Notes
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“Bright violet. Heady cherry, blue fruit and vanilla aromas show very good energy and a spicy accent that gains strength with air. Juicy and concentrated on the palate, offering powerful boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors and a sweetening touch of candied flowers. Closes supple, spicy and very long; youthful tannins frame the energetic dark fruit.” 92pts —Josh Raynolds , Vinous, Dec 2017
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Images
Reviews
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2015 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points
This comes from a single vineyard facing southeast across the Saône Valley. Ripe tannins and great concentration are balanced by opulent, spicy fruit and wonderful richness. The wine is just approaching maturity and will benefit from further aging. Drink from 2021.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2015 – James Suckling – 93 Points
Intense aromas of blackberries, orange peel, and tile with hints of white peppers, all of which follows through to a medium body. Firm, silky tannins and a powerful finish. Shows structure and depth. Drink now or in two or three years. One to keep in the cellar.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2015 – Vinous – 92 Points
Bright violet. Heady cherry, blue fruit and vanilla aromas show very good energy and a spicy accent that gains strength with air. Juicy and concentrated on the palate, offering powerful boysenberry and bitter cherry flavors and a sweetening touch of candied flowers. Closes supple, spicy and very long; youthful tannins frame the energetic dark fruit.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2015 – The Wine Advocate – 91 Points
The 2015 Moulin A Vent la Rochelle comes from 85-year-old vines that were cropped at just 20 hectoliters per hectare, and 65% is aged in 50% new oak (Alliers and Vosges) for 12 months. It has a complex bouquet—a mixture of red and black fruit, hints of cold stone and violet. The palate is well balanced with supple redcurrant, cranberry and hoisin notes, fanning out with a structured, salted licorice-tinged finish that leaves the mouth tingling. It is a lovely wine, even if I might just err towards the elegance of the Champ de Cour this year.