Wine Article
2006 L'Esprit de la Fontaine Coteaux du Languedoc Les Terrasses du Larzac Aniane
Last edited on 10/11/2010 by Phil Hill
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Rating: 94+
Vintage:2007
Varietal:Syrah, Grenache and Carignan
Origin: France, Languedoc,
PV Tasting Note:Biodynamically grown, from ultra low yields of a mere 18 hectolitres per hectare and bottled unfined and unfiltered, so expect some sediment to develop in the bottle over time. This wine is produced from a tiny parcel of mature vines near the top of the massif located near to Aniane, the 2007 L’Esprit de la Fontaine is intensely black-fruited, roasted and port like yet, also rather saline and smoky in the nose, displays an extravagant concentration of sweet flavours and palate staining soy. Powerful and thick but not at all heavy, the phenolic maturity has yielded tannins of rare sweetness and complexity, this is different to the 2006 vintage and currently I’m not certain which is the better wine. Give this wine at least a few hours in a decanter if you want to try this any time soon, but I feel this is decidedly one of the better efforts being developed throughout the Languedoc region. Tasted April 2009
Independent Review:
Food recommendation:Simply match this to the finest of foods.
Ideal Drinking:2010 through 2030Producer and winemaking: Three partners, Philippe Salasc and Laurent Vidal (both winemakers) and Gerard Depardieu (Actor) established this winery by purchasing a two hectare parcel of vines located high on the massif neighbouring Aniane. The first three rows of vines are no more than 12 metres long, then a 3 metre drop, four rows 20 metres long, 2 metre drop then another four rows and so on, the land surrounding the vines is true wilderness with wild boars running about the thick undergrowth. Because of the inaccessibility everything needs to be done by hand. Due to the north/south planting system the vines are protected from the damaging effects of the end of day’s sun, and keep freshness to the grape stock.
Only 440 cases of 6 and 60 single cases of Magnums of this wine were created.
Vintage:2007
Varietal:Syrah, Grenache and Carignan
Origin: France, Languedoc,
PV Tasting Note:Biodynamically grown, from ultra low yields of a mere 18 hectolitres per hectare and bottled unfined and unfiltered, so expect some sediment to develop in the bottle over time. This wine is produced from a tiny parcel of mature vines near the top of the massif located near to Aniane, the 2007 L’Esprit de la Fontaine is intensely black-fruited, roasted and port like yet, also rather saline and smoky in the nose, displays an extravagant concentration of sweet flavours and palate staining soy. Powerful and thick but not at all heavy, the phenolic maturity has yielded tannins of rare sweetness and complexity, this is different to the 2006 vintage and currently I’m not certain which is the better wine. Give this wine at least a few hours in a decanter if you want to try this any time soon, but I feel this is decidedly one of the better efforts being developed throughout the Languedoc region. Tasted April 2009
Independent Review:
Food recommendation:Simply match this to the finest of foods.
Ideal Drinking:2010 through 2030Producer and winemaking: Three partners, Philippe Salasc and Laurent Vidal (both winemakers) and Gerard Depardieu (Actor) established this winery by purchasing a two hectare parcel of vines located high on the massif neighbouring Aniane. The first three rows of vines are no more than 12 metres long, then a 3 metre drop, four rows 20 metres long, 2 metre drop then another four rows and so on, the land surrounding the vines is true wilderness with wild boars running about the thick undergrowth. Because of the inaccessibility everything needs to be done by hand. Due to the north/south planting system the vines are protected from the damaging effects of the end of day’s sun, and keep freshness to the grape stock.
Only 440 cases of 6 and 60 single cases of Magnums of this wine were created.
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