Le Rocher des Violettes, "Le Grand Clos", Montlouis-sur-Loire, France, 2019

Overview of the Wine
Xavier Weisskopf founded Le Rocher des Violettes in 2005 after studying winemaking in Chablis and Beaune and earning his degree in viticulture and oenology. He quickly went to work for the hard working and demanding Lous Barruol at famed Gigondas producer Chateau de Saint Cosme. He quickly rose to the rank of chef du cave, making 4 vintages during his tenure. His love for Chenin Blanc drew him to Montlouis, where an underappreciation of this historic appellation allowed him to acquire 9 hectares of sacred old vine sites (mostly planted pre WWII!). He immediately converted the farming of all his vines to certified organics, with the aim to allow these precious old vines to speak without obfuscation. This traditional philosophy extends into the cellar where his use of older barrels shows the deft touch of true Chenin zen. His goal is simply to make wines of clarity, focus and laser precision.

Organic.

Grape / Blend
Chenin Blanc

Origin
Loire, France

Tasting Notes
This Montlouis is produced from the domain's oldest Chenin vines which are planted on a parcel on the hills above Saint-Martin le Beau, on the edge of the Forêt d'Amboise. This cuvée is vinified in barrels and then aged in 500L oak casks (30% new) for 11 months. This very nice cuvée stands out for its very pure fruit aromas (citrus, white fruits), its taut quality, balance, richness, and clean structure and will age with style.

94 Points - Vinous
The 2019 Le Grand Clos is a quiet and graceful wine. It's as if a symphony orchestra has been playing pianissimo and then they've come to a collective pause, holding its bows and breath before releasing the tension and easing into the next lyrical passage. Having been fermented and raised in 500-liter barrels for 10 months, there oak is subtle but evident in its almond pastry flavors and its rounded edges. It offers the intensity of old, low-yielding vines (an ancient 90-years-old) but it does so in a tranquil, unshowy manner. The wine finishes with a stream of flowing acidity, providing a cleansing and precise spine as well as phenolic tension offering grip and cheek-licking texture. The scented finish is long and satisfying. A delightful baby that the impatient could open now but has the structure and concentration to go on and on.

Product Size: 750ml