Chene Bleu - Heloise 2011

The nose is rich with notes of coffee, dark fruits, truffle, mocha, and blueberry. Appearance in the glass is a magnificent garnet color that's deep and intense. A complex yet balanced palate, both fresh and intense, yet voluptuous. Very long on the palate, with lingering notes of dark fruit and fine tannins.

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.

Jeb Dunnuck -- 96 Points: Also brilliant stuff, the 2011 IGP Vaucluse Heloise (70% Syrah, 20-25% Grenache and the rest Viognier) offers lots of blackberry fruits, peppery herbs and smoked earth aromas and flavors. Medium to full-bodied, nicely concentrated, yet with an incredible sense of elegance and finesse, no doubt imparted by the limestone soils and higher elevation vineyards, this beautiful Syrah will continue drinking beautifully for another decade or more.

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.

Viticulture: Organic and biodynamic practices

Vine Age: Grenache - over 40 years old; Syrah - 30 years old

Soil: Clay and limestone, very stony

Elevation: Grenache - 530 meters (1,738 feet); Syrah - 540 meters (1,771 feet)

Exposure: Grenache - northwest facing; Syrah - southwest facing

Fermentation: In wooden tanks, with skin maceration for 5 weeks; 100% malolactic

Barrel Aging: 18 months in mix of old and new French oak from various coopers, primarily 228-liter (60-gallon) barrels with medium and medium-plus toast; plus 12 months in concrete tanks

Filtration: Unfiltered

Fining: Unfined

Bottle Aging: 2 years

Grape(s): 65% Syrah, 31% Grenache Noir, 4% Roussanne

Alcohol: 14%

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.

Full-bodied, backward and tannic, the 2011 IGP Vaucluse Abelard deserves a couple of years in the cellar. It offers hints of asphalt and cola on the nose, followed by flavors of black cherries and plums, marked by a roasted, caramelized sense of sucrosity. This Grenache-dominated blend is full-bodied and amply concentrated, with a long finish. Drink: 2020-2030.