HÉLOÏSE

Restrained but unwavering elegance.  Our Syrah blend is named Héloïse for its balance of concentration and restraint, and its ripe, supple texture.  Our fine Syrahs blend beautifully with the highly perfumed Grenache, but also blossom with the floral notes of our high-altitude Viognier, bringing Héloïse stylistically closer to her cousins in the Northern Rhône.

LABELS & TASTING NOTES

HÉLOÏSE 2006

VINEYARD NOTES

Vines: Grenache, 25 years old, north-west facing at 530 m. Syrah, 40+ years old south-west facing at 540 m.

Soil: Argilo-calcaire (clay and limestone), and very stony.

Pruning method: Double cordon de Royat, 6 shoots per cordon.

Fruit management: Exacting bunch thinning near the end of véraison to ensure even fruit ripeness.

Treatments: No synthetic treatments used; biodynamic principles ensure health of vine and soil.

Oak aged: 11 months in all new fine French oak (our first vintage)

TASTING NOTES

Appearance: Deep ruby/purple color to the rim.

Nose: Rich aromatic and focused with plenty of black fruit, smoke and black pepper, delivering a ripe mass of black fruit compote, cedar and spice.

Palate: A powerful wine, yet well balanced and structured with fine velvet tannins.  The ripe Grenache element gives glimpses of red fruits amongst the dark flavors of the Syrah.

Finish: Rich and persistent.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

A generous and intense wine with strong aging potential, it is ideally suited to be enjoyed with lamb, red meat and roasted vegetables.  Decant for several hours and serve at room temperature. 

Ageing potential: 7-10 years.

AWARDS

Silver Medal for the Rhône at the International Wine Challenge 2009, at London International Wine Fair.

15/20 Michel Bettane in the Bettane Desseauve Guide.

For other vintages please click here.