Chêne Bleu, Heloïse, Rhône, France, 2012 (BIODYNAMIC)(ORGANIC)

Overview of the Wine
Chêne Bleu is named for an aged oak tree preserved on this isolated estate high on the slopes of the Dentelles de Montmirail. Here in the foothills of Mont Ventoux, where the boundaries of Gigondas, Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône and Séguret come together, the Rolet family discovered an abandoned property with a unique terroir. Dating back to the early Middle Ages, the estate had once been a priory of the Knights Templar. Restoration of the ancient monastery spanned more than a decade. The vineyards had long been neglected but were growing on complex mineral and limestone soils. Reclamation of the vineyards led to excavation for a gravity-flow winery, which led to exceptional, estate-grown Rhône varietal wines. Organic and biodynamic practices are followed to maintain this pristine environment.

Héloïse and Abélard (our other flagship red wine) are one of history’s most celebrated couples, known for their intellectual brilliance, passionate love affair, eloquent letters and the tragedy that cruelly separated them. Sometimes referred to as “the Romeo and Juliet of France,” they were actually far more complex and accomplished individuals, and their love spanned many decades during the Middle Ages until the end of their lives, making it a symbol of enduring romantic love. The perfumed, intense but restrained character of this Syrah blend reminded us of Héloïse, whose intellect was matched by passion which, though bridled, never died.

Certification: Organic, Biodynamic

Grapes/Blend
65% Syrah, 31% Grenache Noir, 4% Roussanne

Origin
Vaucluse, Rhône Valley, France

Winemaker's Tasting Notes
A deep, brilliant crimson color. Complex with aromas of truffle, dark fruits and blackberries with fragrant hints of violet. On the palate, complex yet balanced, both fresh and intense, and voluptuous. Very long on the palate, with lingering notes of dark fruits and truffle.

A generous and intense wine with strong aging potential, ideally suited to lamb, red meat and roasted vegetables. Decant for 2-3 hours and serve at room temperature.

93 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate
A blend of 65% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 4% Roussanne, the 2012 IGP Vaucluse Heloise spent 18 months in oak prior to blending and bottling. Hints of sweaty leather and scorched meat combine with black olives and raspberries on the nose, while the palate is medium to full-bodied, supple and concentrated, with a long finish. Overall, it does a lovely job marrying fruity and savory elements and bringing them together in a silk-wrapped package.

92 Points - Wine Spectator
This offers up a deep well of warm, crushed plum, açai and blackberry fruit flavors that glide over hints of loam, sage and menthol, all backed by a lingering licorice root note on the fleshy finish. Distinctive. Syrah, Grenache and Roussanne. Drink now through 2025.

Product size: 750ml