Puech-Haut La 40ème

Saint-Drézéry, AOP Languedoc

Two phenomena have particularly disoriented the winegrowers of Languedoc Roussillon this year. Autumn 2015 and winter 2016 were exceptionally dry with rainfall totals between 1st November 2015 and 1st March 2016 were around 100 mm only.  But in the same time winegrowers saw mild temperatures throughout the Languedoc.  Temperatures were 2.6˚C higher than seasonal norms (hottest winters since 1990 in France). Harvests have been delayed by 10 days due to the hot summer temperatures coupled with a moderate water deficit.

Tasting Notes

The robe is deep and offers an intense bouquet of currant cream, blackberries, brown tobacco, fireplace and toast.  The palate is extremely balanced and juicy with power.  Tastes of black berries, with a touch of reglissé in the final.  To keep 30 years.

Two phenomena have particularly disoriented the winegrowers of Languedoc Roussillon this year. Autumn 2015 and winter 2016 were exceptionally dry with rainfall totals between 1st November 2015 and 1st March 2016 were around 100 mm only.  But in the same time winegrowers saw mild temperatures throughout the Languedoc.  Temperatures were 2.6˚C higher than seasonal norms (hottest winters since 1990 in France). Harvests have been delayed by 10 days due to the hot summer temperatures coupled with a moderate water deficit.

The grapes came into the winery separately and very early in the morning (2 to 8 AM) and maceration in concrete tanks last 150 days for the Syrah.  Whole clusters are used.  Vinification is made in concrete tanks with natural yeast.  100% of the wine is aged in 228 liters barrels for 18 months.  The oak barrels are coming from Burgundy oak forests or Troncais forest.  Medium toast or medium +.  No fining and no filtraton.  Small use of the sulfite during vinification, just a little addition at bottling.

20 km North East of Montpellier, Puech-Haut soils spread out on 250 ha between 50 and 150 m height.  This terroir made of round pebbles on top of a 4 meters clay layer has a Mediterranean climate.

Grape Variety:  60% Grenache, 40% Cinsault Total Acidity:  65.0 pH: 3.7 ABV: 14% Sugar: <1 Production:  200 cases

  • 2019-04-03

    97+

    points

    Jeb Dunnuck, April 2019

    "A blend of 70% Grenache and 30% Syrah brought up in two-thirds new oak, the 2016 La 40 ème is only made in top vintages and was previously made in 2002, 2007, and 2010. It stands out in the lineup and reminds me of an old school Châteauneuf-du-Pape with its bloody, meaty, olive-laced notes of ground pepper, smoked earth, garrigue, and assorted dark fruits. With full-bodied richness, a concentrated, deep, layered texture, and sweet tannins, it’s a monster of a wine that stays perfectly balanced. Give bottles 2-3 years in the cellar and enjoy over the following 10-15 years."

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2016 Puech-Haut La 40ème – Tasting Notes

Puech-Haut La 40ème – Non-Vintage – Label

Puech-Haut La 40ème – Non-Vintage – Bottle