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November 22, 2008Old Mourvèdre – October 2005 – Last Day of our First Harvest at La Pèira (Terrasses du Larzac)
October 7, 2011On this rather somber October day, our thoughts turn back, as always at this time, to our first harvest in 2005 at our old chai near Aniane. The video below shows the Mourvèdre harvest of that year (2005). This year we plan to release the first vintage of a new (old) wine: Matissat – a pure Mourvèdre bottled for the first time in 2007. Of that, more here.
“Age appears to be best in four things; old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.”
Francis Bacon
Last Day of our First Harvest at La Pèira: Mourvèdre October 2005
La Pèira, Grange des Pères, and Domaine Gauby’s Muntada in the Wall Street Journal’s Languedoc-Roussillon tasting by Jay McInerney
October 5, 2011
Wall Street Journal – Languedoc-Roussillon Tasting – Jay McInerney
Terrasses du Larzac (©V. Bedos-St Jean de Fos)
Languedoc-Roussillon Tasting
As we just shared this on our La Pèira site in French, thought we’d do so here.
Jay McInerney, the famous author, writing in the Wall Street Journal, tackles Grange des Pères, Domaine Gauby’s Côtes du Roussillon La Mutanda, and La Pèira, in this article here.
Languedoc-Roussillon Tasting
by Jay McInerney
The Languedoc-Roussillon is a vast and geologically heterogeneous region (witness the compound name), a crescent stretching along the Mediterranean from the Pyrenées to the Costières de Nîmes, producing an ocean of wine, most of which is not really interesting.
But I was reminded again last night of the enormous potential of this region (or, to be more precise, these two regions) when I opened a bottle of 2007 La Pèira en Terrasses du Larzac Coteaux du Languedoc within a week of relishing a bottle of Domaine Gauby Côtes du Roussillon La Mutanda.
Gérard Gauby is one of the pioneers of the region, who farms biodynamically and creates wines from very old vines which combine power and finesse. The La Mutanda was an extraordinarily rich and complex wine which had great lift and delineation and never seemed overblown for all its density and power. (Didn’t actually make notes, it was one of those nights.)
La Pèira en Damaisela is a new domain owned by, according to the estimable David Schildknecht on eRobertparker.com, “London-based composer Robert Dugan.” Despite the different (or incorrect) spelling, I’m wondering if this is the same person as Robert Dougan, aka Rob D, the Australian-born DJ and composer of the dance hit “Clubbed to Death.” The song gained club fame on its release in ’95, and later in a remix called the Kurayamino Mix, on the soundtrack of ”The Matrix.”
If it’s him, Mr. D is a very multitalented guy indeed, although no one has actually suggested that he makes the wine himself, Claude Gros and Jérémie Depierre being the winemakers of record. But in addition to great ears the guy apparently has a great nose for terroir.
At any rate, the 2007, which was such a sensational vintage in southern France, is one of the most voluptuous and exciting wines I’ve tasted this year. It’s extremely ripe, rich and viscous, with those warm notes of hot-climate Grenache, but it stops short of being baked or raisiny, the sweet Grenache fruit balanced by deep dark chocolate and earthy bass notes.
The texture and the depth of flavor are amazing. It reminded me at different moments of ’89 La Mission [Haut-Brion], ’04 [Galardi] Terre di Lavoro and ’90 [Henri] Bonneau [Réserve des] Célestins. (I got my bottle from Sokolin and then, curiously enough, got an offer for the wine from Premier Cru a few days later.)
And just to round out my mini-tour of this sprawling region, I got to taste the 2005 Grange des Pères out of magnum the other night at Terroir. Daniel Johnnes was hosting a tasting of his new Bordeaux portfolio, which is terrific, and reasonably priced, though it seemed kind of odd to be drinking Bordeaux at this geek mecca, with the great Paul Grieco himself, the king of Riesling, presiding.
Less anomalous in this context was the Grange des Pères which Daniel had brought along. Grange des Pères was one of the first of the new-wave, premium Languedocs, and it appears to be more than holding its own in recent vintages, while my latest experience suggests that the wine is built to improve with age.
The ’05 was drinking beautifully—a big burly southern wine with spicy gamy notes. GDP is a blend of Syrah, Cabernet and Mourvedre, but in this vintage, on this particular night, the Mourvedre was dominant.
Lately Languedoc and Roussillon are increasingly finding their own identities, and no doubt further appellations will be carved out of both regions. Wines like these can only raise the profiles of each.
*** ©The Wall Street Journal
—
We’ve never tasted the Galardi Terre di Lavoro and hope to one day. The reference brought to mind Robert Browning’s poem (who lived in Campania) on two differing tastes: De Gustibus—.
A poem that seemed to symbolise – when we commenced – the exciting alternate esthetic a flourishing South could offer.
Jérémie Depierre au La Pèira - Currently finishing up the 2011 Harvest (©V. Bedos-St Jean de Fos)
The World of Fine Wine Languedoc-Roussillon tasting with Andrew Jefford, Michael Edwards and Marcel Orford-Williams
September 22, 2011
A Fascinating Overview in The World of Fine Wine
A few months ago, we received a note asking why our third wine only – Obriers – was presented at the World of Fine Wine tasting of the region with the panel Andrew Jefford, Michael Edwards (his blog here), and Marcel Orford-Williams.
The World of Fine Wine is undoubtedly the world’s greatest fine wine magazine, and certainly the most beautifully presented, so it was a shame that the flagship and second wine of La Pèira were not part of this serious and fascinating overview.
The notes and marks attested to the success of the tasting, but the article also had some very interesting observations – both for aficionados of the region and producers alike. Our third wine, Obriers de la Pèira fared alright – it was one of Marcel Orford-Williams’ favorites (writer, judge, and buyer for the excellent Wine Society) – but it’s the serious scrutiny of the region’s wines, the different perspectives of the three tasters, and the article summery that makes this a fascinating must-read.
The article is online here. (Languedoc-Roussillon The erratic powerhouse of French Wine)
Sometime ago we were fortunate to have a super article on the wines of La Pèira in this excellent publication (see image) – of which a little more about below.
Andrew Jefford’s One Bottle The World of Fine Wine
The World of Fine Wine
Every issue of The World of Fine Wine features coverage of the world’s finest wines in their historical and cultural context, along with news, reviews, interviews, and comprehensive international auction results. For further information and to subscribe to The World of Fine Wine, please visit www.finewinemag.com or call +44 1795 414 681
“The World of Fine Wine is by far the best wine magazine in the world. It’s opinionated, well written and a delight to read. It’s also the only magazine I bother to keep.”
Tim Atkin MW
“If you are a true wine lover, you MUST subscribe to the best wine review of this planet earth.”
François Mauss, founder-president of the Grand Jury Européen
“The best way to explain fine wine and to protect it from the lobbies (so strong in my country) aiming to convince people it is a devil drink, is to insist on its cultural values and to my knowledge no other magazine on wine I know is doing it as well as The World of Fine Wine
Michel Bettane, leading French wine critic
La Pèira: David Schildknecht’s Wine Advocate Reviews 2008-2009
September 20, 2011La Pèira: David Schildknecht’s Wine Advocate Reviews 2008-2009
Above: La Pèira and the Languedoc-Roussillon 2009 vintage © 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc.
La Pèira 2009 tops the Languedoc-Roussillon
Amid the full flurry of harvest activity, last week’s publication of the Wine Advocate’s biennial Languedoc-Roussillon report saw the La Pèira 2009 ranked as the highest-rated wine of the two regions for the vintage.
The La Pèira 2010 even better?
The La Peira 2010s were not reviewed formally (still finishing the Malolactic that Spring), yet it looks positive:
La Pèira 2010 “The raw materials for the 2010 La Pèira were similarly – well, to clarify, actually quite distinctly – sensational”
Las Flors de la Pèira 2010 “One can already speak with confidence of a salty, meaty, impeccably fruity and deeply savory 2010 Las Flors”
Obriers de la Pèira 2010 “The 2010 base wine already smelled and tasted irresistible in April”
La Pèira 2007s - the Genie in the Bottle
2007 was superb vintage for the domaine, and the last in-bottle notes published, in Jeb Dunnuck’s The Rhone Report, had the wine as the top red of the Languedoc-Roussillion – alongside Gauby’s Muntada, and of the South of France, “Easily one of the top wines of the region (and I‟ll gladly include all of the southern Rhône in that comparison).”
The great Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non noted of it, “It has exactly what I cherish in a wine and what I strive for with my own wines”.
Jay McInerney writing in the Wall Street Journal about the wine, drew comparisons to legendary 100 point wines such as the 1989 La Mission Haut-Brion, the 1990 Henri Bonneau Reserve des Célestins, and the (“out of this world” Antonio Galloni) 2004 Fattoria Galardi Terra di Lavoro.
The wine made an appearance in CellarTracker’s top-rated wines for 2010 between the Haut Brion 1989 and the Chateau Margaux 1990 – as the only wine of its region to feature.
From Gary Vaynerchuk’s rating of the 2005 (“The flagship wine from this new venture is easily going to be the next great global cult wine. Think Clos Erasmus or Masseto” 99/100) to Andrew Jefford‘s appreciation: “I try to avoid the kind of macho superlatives which can devalue the currency of wine criticism, but the efforts which the team at La Pèira have made with the 2005, 2006 and 2007 vintages really did ‘blow me away.‘” to Jancis Robinson’s rating of the 2006 (“Very fine and polished. Full of pleasure: sweet start and then a dry finish. I’d love to see this alongside other serious Syrahs” 17.5/20 ) or the 2007 (“sleek and refined and smells as though it may be a little austere and claret-like on the palate but in fact it is hugely seductive and rich and glamorous” 17.5/20 ) [for ref: Ausone 2006: JR 17 Ausone 2007 : JR 17++ ] or Rene Gabriel (“this spectacular South of France wine” 19/20 drink – 2020), this cuvee from our humble Bois de Pauliau vineyard has been well received to date.
The Wine Advocate – La Pèira 2007
Issue 183 of the Wine Advocate contained a ringing endorsement of the La Peira 2007:
“This wine will ring changes on your palate for a decade, I predict, and will enter that select – though rapidly expanding – elite of Languedoc wines that need not fear comparison with any of the world’s wine icons” (Wine Advocate Issue 183 La Peira reviews 2005-2007)
So we were keen to see the in bottle assessment of the La Pèira 2007s. In the end however there was no post-bottling re-review for now, simply the following observation:
“The superb La Pèira 2007s also surprised – again, vis-a-vis the Languedocian norm – by how well the sense of energy, delineation, and levity that they had conveyed in barrel was captured in bottle. Faced with performances consistent with my stellar issue 183 expectations, I have merely appended very brief comments on these magnificent bottled 2007s to my reviews”
“What a great job the team here did of getting the 2007 La Pèira into bottle! Tasted alongside this 2008, it offers complex floral perfume, intense fruit, as well as animal and mineral dimensions of saliva-inducing, next-sip-craving savor – all shot through with an almost electrical sense of energy.”
La Pèira 2008s : The Gathering Storm Vintage
As for the La Pèira 2008s, and the exciting and the unique characteristics of that vintage (our early enthusiasm shared in May of last year): words and phrases such as ‘somber‘, ‘a huge, dark cloud‘, and ‘brooding‘ in the review’s profile of the wines brought to mind certain other historical aspects 
of the year 2008, of gathering storms, or one of Churchill’s Black Dog days. Overall for the region, as report details, 2008 was, “about as close as one comes to a “cool vintage” in these parts, and characterized by a long, even ripening period; noticeably lower-than-normal alcohol levels; and downright invigoratingly fresh fruit flavors.” It goes on: “Personally, I found the best 2008s not only deliciously distinctive in style and different from the long-term Languedoc norm, but quite thrilling in their own right.”
“The 2008 Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira bears some resemblance to a top-notch Medoc in its ripe though restrained expression of black fruits…Somewhat somber overall for a wine from this estate and with a more palpable sense of structure and sheer density than most Languedoc reds of its vintage, , this nevertheless proceeds to finish with a surprising degree of sheer juiciness and energy as well as a nearly indelible impression of berry skin and mineral matter.” (on the La Pèira 2008)
“The finish here seems to brood, but what a huge, dark cloud it spreads across the palate! I have remarked before on the Pomerol-like aspects of this cuvee …but if one is to stick with that simile in this vintage, it could only be Lafleur rather than a Merlot-dominated Chateaux that one had in mind.” (on the Las Flors de la Pèira 2008)
It all sounds vaguely reminiscent of the global economic climate in 2008. And what better way of revisiting fond memories? Winter wines. We’re very proud of them, both in terms of quality and, equally important, as an expression of the vintage.
Concluding this image of the 2008 vintage at La Pèira as a sort of Goya Pinturas negras / Velázquez Las Meninas-toned/ post-79 Pierre Soulages-type of vintage is the following sentence:
“As to what further elements will emerge from this bottling’s dark recesses, I would count myself fortunate to discover.”
This relates to a wine we will release soon, five years in the making, the 100% Mourvèdre Matissat – Andrew Jefford: “look out for La Pèira’s alluring Matissat, luscious, meaty and essence-like, when it’s eventually released” – Decanter June 2011. (PDF of Release details here)
But enough of that.
The Wine Advocate La Pèira 2008-2009 (and 2010) La Pèira notes follow.
(David Schildknecht’s Wine Advocate 2005-2007 La Pèira notes can be found here.)
From Regional Article
“Wines of top Languedoc estates like Clos Marie, Mas Jullien, or La Pèira en Damaisèla and easily several others are as profoundly delicious as all but a handful of crus rendered anywhere in France”
2009s
2009 La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira (95-96)
I tasted on this occasion the 2009 Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira – roughly two-thirds Syrah, one-third Grenache – in both its (pre-) assemblage and as individual components. Bursting with heady, lilac-like sweet floral perfume that could be traced to its Grenache, along with liqueur-like cassis and black raspberry, this expands thrillingly on a viscous, subtly creamy yet persistently vibrant, juicy, and buoyant palate, with fresh ginger, nutmeg, and licorice adding complex spice and a Syrah-induced savor akin to salted roasted meat pan drippings serving for an umami rating approaching three digits on a hundred-point scale. An attractively rich undertone of chocolate is apt to recede slightly once this acquires its modest pre-bottling dosage of sulfur. This dynamic show should be worth following for the better part of a decade. (The raw materials for the 2010 La Peira were similarly – well, to clarify, actually quite distinctly – sensational.) (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) La Pèira 2009 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2009 Las Flors de la Pèira Terrasses du Larzac (93-94)
The 2009 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Pèira – somewhat more than a third each Syrah and Grenache, with minority components of both Mourvedre and Cinsault – features lightly-cooked, sweetly ripe black and red raspberries aromatically shadowed by their distilled counterparts and wreathed in headily- and seductively-perfumed buddleia, peony, and heliotrope. Richly-textured and full, yet preserving a core of vibrant primary juiciness, this cuvee’s Mourvedre component offers subtle underlying beef blood and chocolate while a long finish preserves a remarkable sense of transparency to both the wines floral as well as its stone, peat, iodine and mouth-wateringly saline mineral elements. This multi-registered, dynamically complex cuvee should merit at least 6-8 years’ attention. (This year, the Syrah and Grenache that will make up roughly 85% of the eventual Las Flors blend were married even before malo, so one can already speak with confidence of a salty, meaty, impeccably fruity and deeply savory 2010 Las Flors.) (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Las Flors de la Pèira 2009 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2009 Obriers de la Pèira Terrasses du Larzac (90-91)
Tasted as a pre-assemblage (although I also tasted the individual components), La Pèira’s Cinsault-Carignan 2009 Obriers de la Pèira is initially smoky and nutty in a slightly reduced way, needing aeration to reveal more diverse and alluring scents of hibiscus, mulberry, and kirsch. Dark berries and beet root mingle with black tea and brown spices on a richly-textured yet infectiously juicy palate. Alkaline and wet stone suggestions underline a lingering finish. Some of the fine inner-mouth florality exhibited by this wine’s 2008 rendition was approached in the largest lot of the 2009 – which remained in upright wooden fermentor – but submerged in the blend, hopefully to eventually reappear. Expect this to reward for at least 3-4 years. (From the upright fermentor in which most of it was aged, the 2010 base wine already smelled and tasted irresistible in April, but it was to be blended with several small barrels of concentrated, minerally old vines Carignan, not all of which were through malo – although most of the cellar had completed that transformation.) (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Obriers de la Pèira 2009 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2008s
2008 La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira (94)
From a blend close to that of its 2009 counterpart, the 2008 Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira bears some resemblance to a top-notch Medoc in its ripe though restrained expression of black fruits allied to sealing wax and iodine, crushed stone and carob. Somewhat somber overall for a wine from this estate and with a more palpable sense of structure and sheer density than most Languedoc reds of its vintage, this nevertheless proceeds to finish with a surprising degree of sheer juiciness and energy as well as a nearly indelible impression of berry skin and mineral matter. It won’t seduce you in the manner of its 2009 counterpart, but it certainly commands your attention – indeed, the finish practically demands your submission! – and ought to do so for the better part of a decade, if not beyond. (What a great job the team here did of getting the 2007 La Pèira into bottle! Tasted alongside this 2008, it offers complex floral perfume, intense fruit, as well as animal and mineral dimensions of saliva-inducing, next-sip-craving savor – all shot through with an almost electrical sense of energy.) (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) La Pèira 2008 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2008 Las Flors de la Pèira Terrasses du Larzac (92)
Around one half Grenache, one third Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre, the 2008 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Pèira displays less charm let alone the seductive florality of its 2009 counterpart, but offers a compelling combination of palpable density, tension, and grip. Black pepper, licorice, iodine, salt, and iron filings mingle with ripe yet tart blackberry and cassis. The finish here seems to brood, but what a huge, dark cloud it spreads across the palate! I have remarked before on the Pomerol-like aspects of this cuvee – an observation that regisseur Jeremie Depierre seconded – but if one is to stick with that simile in this vintage, it could only be Lafleur rather than a Merlot-dominated Chateaux that one had in mind. I suspect this will need 2-3 years to significantly make good on its potential and ought to be worth following for 6-8. (Tasted alongside, the bottled 2007 displays greater density and more obvious tannin but no less complexity, vibrancy, or sheer sap and refreshment than I found when I reviewed it from barrel for issue 183.) (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Las Flors de la Pèira 2008 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2008 Obriers de la Pèira Terrasses du Larzac (90)
As is often the case with wines from Cinsault and Carignan, the 2008 Obriers de la Pèira displays a smoky aromatic overtone and nut husk bitterness attributable to reduction. The alkaline, stony elements that underlie this rendition of Les Obriers only tend to underscore its initial reticence. Aeration, though, reveals impressive depth of juicy, primary black fruit with the nuttiness emerging in a long finish in the form of delightfully piquant walnut oil and chard, while a mouthwateringly saline aspect adds to the wine’s impressive arsenal of mineral matter. This rather “serious” instantiation of its cuvee will I suspect be worth following for at least half a dozen years. That Les Obriers is La Pèira’s least expensive bottling must in large part be attributed to its reliance on two rather unfashionable grapes; but I am coming to believe that it is a mistake to suppose that this fine value cuvee will require drinking any sooner than do its more flamboyant, seductive, and expensive siblings. (The berry richness, nutty piquancy, and mineral complexity of the bottled 2007 on this occasion lived up to the highest expectations reflected in my issue 183 rating.) (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Obriers de la Pèira 2008 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
Deusyls (White)
2010 La Pèira Deusyls de la Pèira (91-92)
While the 2010 Deusyls de la Pèira – a blend, as usual, of Viognier with minority Roussanne – was still set to spend a year in barrel when I tasted it, there was no question about its personality or its high quality. “Explosive” is the only word that can do justice to the effusion of honeysuckle, acacia, quince, pineapple, and mandarin on the nose and lush yet vibrant and buoyant palate of this beauty. It positively shimmers in finishing interaction of these fruits and flowers with salt, stone, and otherwise mineral matter. As this cuvee begins to acquire some track record, it becomes evident that we don’t yet know the full extent of its aging potential, but this instantiation ought to be worth following for at least 4-5 years. (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Deusyls de la Pèira 2010 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2009 La Pèira Deusyls de la Peira (90-91)
Honeysuckle, narcissus, heliotrope, pineapple, and overripe pear and Persian melon scent the Viognier-Roussanne 2009 Deusyls de la Pèira, which comes to the palate creamy; nutmeg- and vanilla-tinged; expansive but not heavy; with hints of salted nuts and chalk serving for some finishing counterpoint. This outstanding effort in the context of vintage (white wine) limitations (which I tasted immediately prior to bottling) will prove seductive in its youth, and I suspect will be best enjoyed over the next couple of years – however greater the stamina that other initial vintages of this cuvee may be revealing.(David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Deusyls de la Pèira 2009 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
2008 La Pèira Deusyls de la Pèira 91
Talcum, honeysuckle, and heliotrope headily scent the 2008 Deusyls de la Pèira, with hints of caramel and lanolin still clinging to ripe, melony fruit from its oak exposure. Lush and persistently floral in the mouth, this beauty offers mouthwatering salinity, lingering perfume, and intriguing, elusive mineral traces. I suspect it will continue to seduce for at least another couple of years. (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011) Deusyls de la Pèira 2008 PDF Copyright 2011, The Wine Advocate, Inc. Reprinted with permission
Wine Advocate Estate Notes 2008/2009/2010
(Full text broken into sections with headings)
Rob Dougan and his winemaker Jeremie Depierre demonstrated this April that La Pèira en Damaisèla – for much more about which, consult the account in my issue 183 Languedoc report – is not about to rest on its early and entirely merited laurels.
In addition to exciting 2010 raw materials (on which I have appended parenthetic comments to my notes on the 2009s) and superlative 2009 and 2008 renditions of the same four cuvees I tasted from each of their first three vintages (and reported on in issue 183), they surprised me with three installments of a pure batch of Mourvedre that they had been holding back.
Vintage 2009
“We thought given such hot weather in 2009, and after we had tasted right after fermentation, that our wines might be heavy,” relates Depierre. “But after the winter – when the malo-lactic was finally getting done – the elegance started to come out. And after we did the blends, we were surprised to discover so much fruit and freshness.”
For 2009, the blend for Las Flors, exceptionally, included some Cinsault to help insure the preservation of precisely these virtues.
Vintage 2008
The La Pèira 2008s were able to benefit from September rain that jump-started the late ripening of Syrah and Mourvedre, while moderate temperatures throughout the season served for balanced acidity and alcohol, although today – in something of a reversal of these vintages’ usual roles – the 2009s at this address are showing more florality, charm, and elegance than their 2008 counterparts.
If the relative personalities of 2009 and 2008 here surprised me a bit given what I witnessed at most Languedoc estates, the superb La Pèira 2007s also surprised – again, vis-a-vis the Languedocian norm – by how well the sense of energy, delineation, and levity that they had conveyed in barrel was captured in bottle.
Faced with performances consistent with my stellar issue 183 expectations, I have merely appended very brief comments on these magnificent bottled 2007s to my reviews of the corresponding 2008s, rather than taking up space by recording a completely new tasting note.
La Pèira Deusyls (White)
The rare white from La Pèira is surprising even its creators with its excellence and stamina, and new plantings have recently gone in of Roussanne as well as some Marsanne.
If it were not already abundantly clear, this is now one of the three or four most exciting not to mention meticulously-run properties in the Languedoc, and as such is broadcasting the message that this region’s soils and old vines harbor abundant latent grandeur whose awakening awaits only the right combination of inspiration, labor, and luck. I just hope aspiring vintners and winery owners – not to mention wine lovers – the world over are listening! (David Schildknecht Wine Advocate Aug 2011 Issue #196)
La Pèira: Berry Bros. & Rudd Wine Tasting on the 8th June
June 3, 2011
La Pèira Tasting at Berry Bros. & Rudd
On the 8th June, in Berry Bros & Rudd’s historic 17th century Pickering Cellar, we have the great pleasure of presenting a few vintages of La Pèira under the watchful gaze of Simon Field MW.
A list of wines (including a small vertical of our La Pèira cuvée) follows, along with details of the tasting. For those interested in attending, the address to click is here or the images below.
Details : La Pèira tasting at Berry Bros. & Rudd
La Pèira: BBR Tutored Tasting with Simon Field MW & Winemaker Jérémie Depierre
Details: Address – Berry Bros & Rudd, 3 St James’s Street, St James’s, London, SW1A 1EG Pickering Cellar Date: Wednesday 8th June 2011 Time: 6:30pm Price: £75.00
The following wines will be tasted:
Champagne Pierre Peters, Cuvée de Réserve, Grand Cru
2007 Obriers de La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2008 Obriers de La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2007 Las Flors de La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2008 Las Flors de La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2005 La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2006 La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2007 La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2008 La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac
2006 Deusyls Vin de pays de l’Hérault
2008 Deusyls Vin de pays de l’Hérault
La Pèira and Gauby’s Muntada the top Languedoc-Roussillion Wines in Jeb Dunnuck’s The Rhone Report
May 7, 2011
La Pèira in Jeb Dunnuck’s The Rhone Report
While Montpellier may have lost against Olympique de Marseille in the Coupe de la Ligue final last week, we were somewhat consoled by the fact the La Pèira wines put in a good showing for the Herault in the latest issue of Jeb Dunnuck’s The Rhone Report – the quarterly newsletter covering the wines and grapes of the Rhône Valley and elsewhere.
The La Pèira 2007 was judged the top red of the Languedoc-Roussillion – alongside Gauby’s Muntada 2007 – in a field of fine players such as Grange de Peres, Clos Marie, Mas Jullien, Montcalmes, Clos de Truffiers, and L’Oustal Blanc and others.
More about Issue 7 of The Rhone Report and Jeb’s La Pèira notes below.
The Rhone Report: La Pèira notes
“this estate continues to produce world class wines that show not only plenty of distinctive character, but a level of polish and refinement that isn’t often found – from anywhere”
“Easily one of the top wines of the region (and I’ll gladly include all of the southern Rhône in that comparison)”
La Pèira 2007: cited alongside Gauby Muntada 2007 as the top wines of the Languedoc-Roussillion
Located north of the Hérault (which is a good 60km off the Mediterranean), on the southern edge of the Massif Central, and in the town of Saint Saturnin de Lucian, this estate continues to produce world class wines that show not only plenty of distinctive character, but a level of polish and refinement that isn’t often found – from anywhere. While the region as a whole has warmer, longer summers, as well as cooler winters, it also has drastic daily temperature swings due its distance from the Sea. Website: www.la-peira.com Importer: Eric Solomon
La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira Red 98
La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de La Pèira Red 93
La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac Obriers de La Pèira Red 91
2007 La Pèira Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Terrasses du Larzac) $125
Utterly captivating and borderline perfection in a glass, the 2007 La Pèira Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac is the estate’s top cuvee and is a blend of 68% Syrah and 32% Grenache, from the Bois de Pauliau vineyard, that’s aged for 18 months in French oak. It displays a vivid purple color to go with intense, decadent aromas of sweet crème de cassis and blackberry styled fruits, smoked meats, exotic spice, violets, and perfectly integrated wood on the nose. While ripe and leaning towards the decadent end of the spectrum, the wine shows unbelievable purity, focus, and freshness as well as not a hint of heat, over-ripeness, or weight. Full bodied and lavishly textured on the palate, with the same lightness and elegance that’s promised by the nose, the wine shows perfect balance, a deep, concentrated mid-palate, perfectly ripe fruit, and a blockbuster finish that’s laced with loads of ultra-fine tannin. Few wines can pull off such a mix of ripeness, polish, and balance, and this one does it with style! I don‟t doubt that this will age gracefully, but given the utter seamlessness and polish displayed, don’t be afraid to drink this young. Easily one of the top wines of the region (and I’ll gladly include all of the southern Rhône in that comparison) and this is not to be missed! (98 pts.)
2007 La Pèira Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Terrasses du Larzac)
$40
Richer and heavier than the top cuvee, the 2007 Las Flors, a blend of 37% Syrah, 47% Grenache, and 16% Mourvèdre that’s aged for 18 months in French oak, sports an inky, opaque color to go with full throttle aromatics of baked plums and cassis fruits, licorice, roast coffee, and charred earth. It improves over the evening with touches of garrigue, violets, and spice emerging, lending additional freshness and complexity to what would otherwise be a very dense, impenetrable wine. Full bodied on the palate and beautifully put together, with a palate staining, decadent texture, solid balance, and a bitter chocolate-laced, tannic finish, this is actually less approachable than the Les Terrasses du Larzac and needs cellaring. My guess is that this will benefit from 3-5 years in bottle, and then drink well for a decade afterwards. I may have liked this even more if I had not tasted it right next to the straight ’07 Les Terrasses du Larzac. (93 pts.)
2008 La Pèira Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac Les Obriers de La Pèira (France, Languedoc Roussillon, Languedoc, Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac)
$20
Silky and perfumed, with an understated elegance about it that’s similar to a north Rhône Syrah, the 2008 La Pèira Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac Les Obriers de La Pèira is a barrel aged blend of 59% Cinsualt and 41% Carignan that’s all from the gravel and limestone soils of the Bellefeuille vineyard. It shows captivating aromatics of freshly snipped flowers, damp earth, iron, and mineral like notes that are supported by fresh raspberry and pit fruits. The wine follows suite on the palate and displays a medium bodied, energetic texture, beautiful integration of the acid, tannin, and fruit, and a clean, excellent finish. It’s not a powerhouse and shines for its balance, purity, and energy. While I would drink it over the coming 2-4 years, this could surprise and age well. Time will tell. (91 pts.)
The Rhone Report ISSUE #7
Jeb Dunnuck’s subscription-based The Rhone Report (around $60 year – $5 monthly) newsletter is published quarterly and dedicated to the wines of the Rhone and Rhone wines worldwide.
The latest issue focuses on the Languedoc Roussillon, Southern Rhône & Provence, Northern Rhône, Spain, and 1998 & 2001 Châteauneuf-du-Pape.
Jeb Dunnuck’s (pictured above) The Rhone Report website is here. Reviews and Images above © 2011 — therhonereport.com (unless otherwise credited.)
BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2011 : Appellation of the Year : TERRASSES DU LARZAC (Appellation de l’année)
April 24, 2011
Above: Terrasses du Larzac: BETTANE & DESSEAUVE’s French Appellation of the Year 2011
Terrasses du Larzac: BETTANE & DESSEAUVE’S French Appellation of the Year 2011
Respected French wine critics Michel Bettane and Thierry Desseauve have awarded the Terrasses du Larzac French Appellation of the Year in 2011.
A short (translated) quote follows below from the original text:
“A work of 30 years, the name of the Terrasses du Larzac was the product of the imagination of industry professionals, when deciding to distinguish certain terroirs of merit from the immense AOC Côteaux du Languedoc.
This type of decision is often dictated by political imperatives rather than real qualitative evidence. There is none of that here.
The geological fracture zone between the plateau of Larzac and the Mediterranean Sea, located north of the department of Hérault has a incredible potential – illustrated elsewhere in the late 1970s by a wine who never sought the AOC, the famous Daumas Gassac.
Now joined by other cult wines…this sector very much deserves a status apart.
A terroir. A real one.”
Andrew Jefford’s Terrasses du Larzac Articles in 2008/2009
It’s worth mentioning that Andrew Jefford was the first wine writer to go out on a limb – way back in 2008/2009 - identifying the Terrasses du Larzac as an appellation of the highest order in the South of France; detailing some internal divisions; and even citing wines to consider (across a variety of price points).
Three excerpts below with links to original articles:
Andrew Jeford – Financial Times - The Answer lies in the Soil – Terrasses Du Larzac Article 2009
Andrew Jefford – Decanter Magazine – “Enjoy the Languedoc – It won’t be here forever” – 2009
Andrew Jefford – Rockyards and Stonejuice - Herault & Terrasses du Larzac Article – 2008
http://andrewjefford.com
La Peira in Cellartracker’s top-rated Wines for 2010
March 19, 2011
Chai: La Peira - Terrasses du Larzac
Cellartracker’s top-rated Wines for 2010
We were delighted to see the La Peira 2007 make an appearance in CellarTracker’s top-rated wines for 2010 (compiled by Wine-Searcher.com).
Many thanks to those who took the time to review the wine and land it in such good company.
Here’s hoping to see a lot more Terrasses du Larzac wines in the future amongst those usual lists of Cabernet Sauvignons, Chateaux, Cote Roties, and Chateauneuf-du-Papes…
Cellartracker’s community of over 100,000 enthusiasts and just under two million tasting notes is at Cellartracker.com.
- The list below – compiled by wine-searcher.com can also be found here -
La Peira Tastings: Zachys (New York), Berry Bros. & Rudd (London), European Cellars (Boston) & Others!
December 18, 2010
La Peira Tastings: Zachys (New York), Berry Bros. & Rudd (London),
& European Cellars / Eric Solomon (Boston)
Suddenly occurred to us, that from Boston to London, New York to København (Copenhagen), Lidingö (Sweden) to perhaps Saint-Emilion for En Primeur, (and possible in Germany with Aux Fins Gourmets with Matthias Hilse) there seem to be a lot of opportunities to taste the wines ahead. The first occurring in an hour’s time or so, and the others at various dates stretching over the next six months. We’ll update this page with further details for some, and do feel free to leave word or two if you have tasted the wines.
Zachys Tasting
Picture from Zachys Feature on the La Peira Wines
First the most immediate. Now! The renowned Zachys in New York (who kindly posted the feature on the wines of La Peira above) have an tasting this weekend featuring a variety of interesting wines and vintages. For those curious about the wines of La Peira it would seem a good pre-Christmas chance to taste alongside a selection of wonderful producers!
Complimentary Tasting at Zachys— Treasures from Across the Globe
Saturday, December 18th | 12-4pm | In-Store 16 East Parkway, Scarsdale, NY 10583The Zachys team is opening up the Cellar this weekend and we are pulling out as many Grand Cru Caliber wines as we can for this last big weekend before Christmas! There will be Champagne, White and Red Burgundy, Bordeaux, Cult Cabs and old treats from the cellar including the 100 point Cristal 2002!
A Sneak Peek at Tasting Lineup
• Louis Roederer Cristal 2002 (100W&S)
• Bonnes Mares (Berthau) 2008 (91-93BH)
• La Peira en Damaisela 2007 (95-96WA)
• Camartina (Querciabella) 2006 (95WA)
• Pichon-Lalande 2006 (95WA)
• Pichon-Lalande 2007 (88-91WS)
• Barolo (Pio Cesare) 2006
• Barbaresco Rabaja (Bruno Rocca) 2007 (91IWC)
• Colgin IX Estate Syrah (95WA)
Berry Bros. & Rudd Tutored Tasting 8th June 2011
We are delighted to have the chance to show some recent (and older) vintages of the domaine, with Simon Field MW at hand, in the magnificent cellars beneath Berry Bros’ 310-year-old shop in London’s St James. The Pickering Cellars lie beneath Pickering Place (London’s smallest public square and once a notorious venue for duels) and adjacent to the Napoleon Cellar, which is named after Napoleon III, who plotted his return to France here whilst in exile in England between 1838 and 1848.
La Pèira: BBR Tutored Tasting with Simon Field MW & Winemaker Jérémie Depierre
Pickering Cellar Berry Bros & Rudd, 3 St James’s Street, St James’s, London, SW1A 1EG Wednesday 8th June 2011 Time: 6:30pm Price: £75.00Text below and more from the BBR site:
Jéremie Depierre, Winemaker at La Pèira
“When journalist Andrew Jefford wrote to us to recommend a nice wine that he had been sent, subsequently written up as the best Languedoc he had ever tasted, we were delighted to begin our relationship with La Pèira, now recognised as one of the very top wines in France. Co-owners Rob Dougan and Karine Ahton identified the Terrasses de Larzac as the best terroir in the South of France, and – working with gifted oenologist Claude Gros and Bordelais winemaker Jéremie Depierre – set about to craft its premier wine.
The nature and extent of their success will be evidenced at this ground-breaking tasting. Winemaker Jéremie has as his cohort the maverick Rob Dougan, whose varied achievements, before he caught the wine bug, include composing the theme to the film The Matrix. They are both highly entertaining characters, allied by a love of their product, and this promises to be a most enjoyable and instructive tasting.”
The following wines will be tasted:
- Champagne Pierre Peters, Cuvée de Réserve, Grand Cru
- 2007 Las Flors de la Pèira, Terrasses de Larzac
- 2007 La Pèira En Damaisela, Terrasses de Larzac
European Cellars / Eric Solomon Selection Tasting March 7th 2011 Boston
Eric Solomon Selections / European Cellars
Annual Portfolio March 7, 2011
Attendees of past Eric Solomon Portfolio tastings in New York (with IPO), Boston, Dallas, or San Francisco (a very pretty if uneventful video of the tasting at the Fairmont hotel ballroom here) know what an extraordinary selection of wines and producers this involves. Superb producers such as Clos Saint Jean, la Janasse, Marcoux, Saint Jean Du Barroux, Domaine Lafage, Domaine de L’Hortus, Coume Del Mas, Aalto, Clos d’Agon, Tomas Cusine, Clos Erasmus, Mas Doix, Nit de Nin, Gramona, Mas Alta, Rafael Palacios, Hacienda Monasterio and that’s just scratching the surface.
Those who know these tastings, the European Cellars’ team, Eric Solomon’s portfolio, or his
Hospice du Rhone presentations (a great one here and here too) know the melange of perfectionism, fun, and a sense of style that characterise everything this company does.
Eric Solomon has worked with our domaine from the time when the prospect of successfully sharing our work with others seemed highly remote. Is there another group that works with a wider diversity of Producers working with Rhone varieties over France and Spain? Even looking at the “appellations” the company works with in Spain is enough to make a reader slightly dizzy:
Sanlucar de Barrameda, Calatayud, Bierzo, Ribera del Duero, Rueda, Costers del Segre, Empordá, Montsant, Penedés, Priorat, Cava, Monterrey, Rías Baixas, Ribeiro, Ribera Sacra, Valdeorras, Almansa, La Mancha, Méntrida, Vinos de Madrid, Jumilla, Yecla, Navarra, Rioja, Alicante,Valencia!
There’s some lack of clarity whether the early European Cellars self-mocking motto was, “Unknown and Unsold” (effectively exciting and worth purchasing?) or “Unfiltered, Unfined, Unsold” (perhaps it was both) but it’s hard to name another company that combines such success with this kind of broad ranging ambition.
Fields, Morris & Verdin 14th June 2011 (Trade Only)
The trade-only tasting for Fields, Morris & Verdin takes place in June. One could simply focus on the company’s Burgundy or French portfolio. But the range of producers from around the world is quite something. Here’s just a few: Vega Sicilia, Yarra Yering, Shadowfax, Giaconda, Frog’s Leap, Bonny Doon, Ridge Vineyards, Domaine Drouhin Oregon, Au Bon Climat, Qupé Winery, Tablas Creek, Montford, Piétri-Géraud, Montford, Méo-Camuzet, Mas Conscience…
Just wanted to get this post up in a timely fashion and will update with details of the 2960 Vin and Bristly Wines and Saint-Emilion / En Primeur tastings over the next few hours
Rene Gabriel (Weinwisser) entdeckt La Peira! (Terrasses du Larzac)
November 3, 2010
René Gabriel: The "Swiss Wine Pope." Founder of Weinwisser, and considered the most influential wine critic in German-speaking Europe
Rene Gabriel entdeckt La Peira!
René Gabriel, the rather well-known Swiss wine critic and writer, is considered the most influential wine critic in Germany. Or as Bordoverview – to which he contributes notes – put it, the “Swiss Wine Pope”. He founded the influential wine magazine, Weinwisser, for which he writes along with other wine publications such as Falstaff. He also maintains his own website. Read the rest of this entry »
