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What We Say 2008 'Signargues' Côtes du Rhône Villages
EXCLUSIVE WINE ALERT:
Through a very special arrangement, we are able to bring you this wine which is generally not imported into the U.S. Market. If you are a fan of Rhone classics, this is a wine that you’ll truly enjoy at your next tasting.
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Mission Codename: The Top Of The Plateau
Operative: Agent White
Objective: Acquire an exclusive allocation of a very special ‘Signargues’ Côtes du Rhône Villages
Mission Status: Accomplished!
Current Winery: Domaine Pierre-Henri Morel
Wine Subject: 2008 ‘Signargues’ Côtes du Rhône Villages
Winemaker: Pierre-Henri Morel
Backgrounder: In the Côtes du Rhône Villages is a very special place that sits on top of the plateau between the communes of Domazan, Estézargues, Rochefort-du-Gard and Saze. Not technically a village, a hameau or even a climat, just a special place that is known for fantastic grapes. The special red wines of this area are designated as Signargues. Officially named in 2005, the wines of this area must be at least 50% Grenache and 20% or more of Syrah and Mourvedre with any remainder of le encépagement being other local grapes.
Through a very special arrangement, we are able to bring you an exclusive allocation of this wine that is generally not imported into the United States.
Wine Spies Tasting Profile:
Look – Dark garnet and nearly black with a dense heart that has garnet reflections and edges. When swirled, slow fat legs cling to the side of the glass.
Smell – Ripe and fruit forward with spiced red and black-fruit including blackberry, raspberry and boysenberry layered over spicy, earthy and woody undertones. Balsamic notes and a touch of dried green herbs and aromas linger with a touch of black licorice.
Feel – Plush and round, this well-developed smooth dry and full-bodied wine has an expansive palate with balanced acidity, and finely textured tannins and solid minerality. At mid palate, this wine becomes nearly chewy and expansive coating the tongue.
Taste – Plump earthy black and red fruit including blackberry and boysenberry blend with approachable baking spices and pepper. Balsamic and black licorice notes and with herbal and dark minerality adds complexity and texture.
Finish – Long and plump with the fruit lingering over a base of spice and earthy notes. The palate then dries leaving this wine’s minerality and tannins making the mouth water for another sip.
Conclusion – The 2008 Domaine Pierre-Henri Morel ‘Signargues’ Côtes du Rhône Villages is a delicious and plump wine that is drinking perfectly right now despite its youth. Fantastic texture and minerality frames its fruit-forward aromas and palate. Spice and earthy notes linger with other complex flavors. Not officially certified as organic and bio-dynamic yet, but will be soon. Enjoy now or for the next several years with roasted chicken seasoned with savory Herbes de Provence.
Mission Report:
We are working to get an interview with the winemaker and will post it as soon as we can.
Wine Spies Vineyard Check:
The approximate location of the Signargues region can be seen in this satellite photo between the communes of Domazan, Estézargues, Rochefort-du-Gard and Saze.
What the Winery Says
Domaine Pierre-Henri Morel
Awards & Accolades:
89 Points – Wine Spectator – Nicely ripe for the vintage, with a solid core of fig and boysenberry fruit backed by sweet spice and fruitcake notes. Friendly, but with a dash of grip. Debut release. Not imported into the U.S. Drink now. –JM (Note from Agent White: so ask yourself, do you feel lucky, well do you?)
About The Wine:
Very deep, almost black, garnet-red colour with full aromas of very ripe black fruit. The palate is gourmand with liquorice aromas and a spicy finish.
Mainly Grenache (50%) and 25% each of Syrah and Mourvedre.
The soils are made of clay and limestone from the Villafranchian Period. The vines are situated in terraces of round pebbles and in smaller proportion, of lauze rocks made of limestone.
Vinification in concrete vats with daily pumping over. Wines exclusively aged in concrete vats and bottling is done after one-year ageing.
About The Winery:
Founded in 2007 by Michel Chapoutier and Pierre-Henri Morel, the winery produces high-end wines from the Southern Rhône Valley. Pierre-Henri Morel focuses on small parcels with great terroir identity to produce small volumes of high quality grenache, syrah and mourvèdre. The heart of the house is Châteauneuf-du-Pape where the winery owns 4 hectares (Pignan, Bois Dauphin, Cabrières and Palestor).
The wines are made by the Chapoutier’s team but in the spirit of what Mr Morel likes – in the Burgundy style…
Pierre Henri Morel produces five different wines, all from the south part of the Rhone Valley (Meridional part). Two Chateauneuf du Pape are produced along with a Gigondas, a Signargues and a Laudun white. The first Chateauneuf du Pape comes from old vines from the “Pignan” area – next to the famous “Rayas” parcel.
As of the Chapoutiers’s wines, the domaine started to farm these parcels in a natural way, without pesticides, added ingredients in order to reach the “bio” certification in a few years time.
One of the key fact of this domain is their wish to make wines that really respects the typical expression of some of the most beautiful parcels of vines in the Southern Rhone.
The result is simply astonishing with wines that are very precise and mineral – made really much in a Burgundian way.
All the wines are produced in very tiny quantities with no more than about 250 cases of each available every year. This is one of the most promising estates of the Rhone Valley.
Technical Analysis:
Varietals: Grenache (50%) and 25% each of Syrah and Mourvedre.
Alcohol: 14%
