(2021) A typically pale and attractive, peachy Provence, a blend of Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Rolle and Clairette, from limestone and clay soils. The nose is attractively fruity and welcoming; a strawberry sundae character, with a tiny hint of leafy herbs. In the mouth there is abundant peaches and cream sweetness, more of that strawberry summer fruits character and nice texture as well as balancing acidity. Part of the Chapoutier Selection, it is very nicely done. Please note: price and stockist quoted at time of review is for the previous vintage.
(2020) From a a seven hectare vineyard sited at 200 metres above sea level, and planted on limestone soils, this is a powerful and intense white wine, yet fragrant too. A little talcumy, quite exotic perfume, almost Riesling-like, then orange peel and waxy lemon rind. In the mouth the substantial 14% alcohol shows in texture and palate weight, with very juicy peach and apricot fruit, a broad mouth-filling presence, sweet, but soon swept up in a rush of zesty citrus acidity. Maybe a meaty fish like halibut or monkfish for this one.
(2019) 100% Touriga Nacional, and very nicely perfumed with small red fruits and cherry. A very fresh style with a grapefruit tang of acidity sharpening the picture.
(2019) Syrah, Alicante and Touriga Nacional. More open and an appealing than the Trinca Bolotas, spice and a more relaxed oxidative character, older oak adding a creamy, deep note.
(2019) Nicely perfumed here, a touch of cherry and kirsch to earthier and plummy black fruit. There’s a firm edge to this, a tart plum skin rasp of acidity and tannin. Two and a half years in used French oak.
(2018) There is 35% of reserve wines in this cuvée, and a dosage of 9g/l. Quite a developed yeastiness, with lots of russet apple, nutty and juiciness, but then white flower and nettle. Very delicate, a gentle mousse, with lovely orangey acidity and fruit freshness, very crisp and tapering. Whilst dry, not austere.
(2016) A little bit of tanky, pear drop character, then honey and fat lemony fruit comes through, more luscious notes too. The palate is riven with orange and citrus, but great concentration and phenolic grip - a little too much? - massive salt and lemon presence. "A vintage for the record books," according to Kleine Zalze.
(2016) 40-year-old bush vines from Durbanville and from Stellenbosch, matured in 2nd and 3rd fill barrels for 18 months. Quite a high, slightly volatile character, with floral notes mixing with coffee and cough sweets. The palate has a sweet berry richness, a creamy and toasty mocha layer of oak, and a balanced finish.
