Chene Bleu 'Abelard' Vin de Pays de Vaucluse 2007
(Rhone, France) - [WS 92]
Regular price $100.00 Sale price $89.97 Save $10.03
12-PACK PRICE = $84.97 per item (add 12+ quantity to your basket)
Chene Bleu is situated in a small saddle of a valley at 1800 – 2000 feet in the Dentelles de Montmirail, above Gigondas, in the Southern Rhone. It is approximately 350 acres, organically and biodynamically farmed, and sits protected within the 2,000+ acre UNESCO-designated Mont Ventoux Biosphere Reserve. The property dates back to the 9th century and has been a working vineyard since the Middle Ages.  The estate is owned by the Roulot family, who have committed many years of work to revitalizing grape production and researching the climate, vines, and soils of their vineyards as they rehabilitated the property. Because La Verrière is located so high above the surrounding alluvial plains, the vines must penetrate down through layers of chalk and clay for nourishment.
Chêne Bleu released their first vintage in 2006,
and the wines they have been producing ever since—a small but focused selection
of one rosé, one white, and three reds—are the result of all the research and
time spent cultivating the vines and understanding their environment.Â
Abelard and Heloise are the winery's two flagship reds, named for the most famous pair of lovers of the Middle Ages. Abelard is primarily Grenache, and so named to reflect its forceful, masculine, brooding intensity, from 25+-year-old Grenache.
Appearance: A very deep ruby
Nose: Abélard’s rich brooding character lifts from the glass, showing ripe blackberry, garrigue, licorice and spice
Palate: Intense and concentrated. Blackberry and morello cherries, spice and silkyÂ
Finish: Ample and lengthy
Appearance: A very deep ruby
Nose: Abélard’s rich brooding character lifts from the glass, showing ripe blackberry, garrigue, licorice and spice
Palate: Intense and concentrated. Blackberry and morello cherries, spice and silkyÂ
Finish: Ample and lengthy
Ratings & Reviews
92 Points - Wine Spectator Magazine:
"This has dark, brooding aromas of crushed plum and black tea, followed by rich yet racy graphite, espresso, singed iron and mulled blackberry fruit. The long, sleek finish lets the iron note hang on. Dense, but pure at the core, with solid grip. Should stretch out a bit more. Grenache and Syrah. Drink now through 2014. 1,439 cases made." - JM (web only 2011)