La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent – 2016
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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 (4,047 vines/acre)
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Vintage Report
- Harvest Date(s): Manual harvest from September 20 –26, 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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25% destemmed; pumping-over during cold prefermentation 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, 100% aged in oak, with 25% of new oak then 6 month in stainless steel tank before bottling; 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%
- Optimum Drinking: 6+ years, with gradual development over the years. Younger wines should be poured into a carafe one hour before serving.
Images
Reviews
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle, Moulin-à-Vent — 2016 – Decanter – 93 Points
Rounded and ripe forest fruits, plums and sweet raspberry. Soft and unctuous on the palate with fleshy red fruit. Long, savoury finish.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle — 2016 – Wine Enthusiast – 94 Points
One of the single-vineyard wines from this producer, this wine delivers structure and intensity. Just now mature, its smoky fruits and ripe tannins are beautifully integrated. The wine could age further, but is totally ready now.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle – 2016 – Vinous – 93 Points
Deep, bright-rimmed ruby. A highly complex bouquet evokes an array of red/blue fruits, flowers and spices, along with hints of vanilla, mocha and licorice. Stains the palate with sweet boysenberry, candied plum and violet pastille flavors that are underscored by a vein of juicy acidity. Delivers a suave blend of power and finesse and shows no rough edges. Closes on a smoky note, with steadily building tannins, a touch of bitter cherry and impressive tenacity.
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Château du Moulin-à-Vent La Rochelle – 2016 – Wine Spectator – 92 Points
A modern style, with rich touches to the black cherry compote and raspberry reduction notes, hinting at licorice, rose petal and smoke.