34750 HAMEAU DE SAINTE-BRIGITTE
34750 HAMEAU DE SAINTE-BRIGITTE, +33 (0)970 46 74 68
+33 (0)970 46 74 68
La Peira 2005-2016 Wine Advocate Vertical Notes with Jeb Dunnuck
La Pèira vintages 2006-2011 pictured
The Long Work of Many Hands
Posted here are the Wine Advocates notes (from Jeb Dunnuck) as part of a La Pèira vertical tasting of the grand vin and second wine (Las Flors) spanning from 2005 to 2016.
It’s a decade’s worth of work. “Fruit of the vine and work of human hands”, the passage runs, and what follows here is the long work of many hands over a decade’s worth of days and nights, fiery middays, and chilly dawn starts. Forty seasons, and for the most part, each day a day of work done well.
The Recent 2015 and 2016 La Pèira Vintages
The notes included the great first reviews of the 2015 and 2016 vintages.
The main headline points are:
• 2015 La Pèira and 2015 Las Flors de la Pèira for the first time rated equally (94 – 96+)
The 2015 and 2016 vintages, notably winemaker Audrey Bonnet–Koenig’s first at La Pèira, has seen the Las Flors, La Pèira’s second wine, rated on a par with the grand vin. For the first time both the 2015 La Pèira and 2015 Las Flors de la Pèira were equally rated: (94 – 96)+.
The 2015 La Pèira is: “a bigger, richer, more concentrated wine than the Las Flors, and offers serious notes of graphite, wood smoke, currants and crushed rocks. Tannic, backward and structured”.
The 2015 Las Flors de la Pèira is: “full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent, yet always pure and impeccably balanced, it’s going to be just about impossible to resist on release.”
• 2016 La Pèira and 2016 Las Flors de la Pèira: “This will be another brilliant vintage for the cuvee”
The 2016 La Pèira is rated (95 – 97) with the words: “This will be another brilliant vintage for the cuvee”.
And the Las Flors de la Pèira 2016 (rated (93-96) with the note: “The 2016 offers lots of both red and black fruits, spice and pepper, with medium to full-bodied richness, impressively sweet tannin and a finesse-oriented style”.
We’ll post notes on the Matissat (Mouvedre) and the La Pèira white in another post, along with more on the 2015 and 2016 vintages at La Pèira (including great reviews for the third wine, the red Obriers de la Pèira).
But here follow notes on the Grand Vin and the second wine.
La Pèira 2005-2016
2005 La Pèira
97 RP
The first vintage for the estate, and one of the great vintages for the cuvée, the 2005 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira is a big, rich, serious effort that’s still uber concentrated and structured, yet perfectly balanced and elegant, with no heaviness or weight on the palate. Loaded with notions of black currants, licorice, graphite, smoked meats and minerality, this beauty put an exclamation point on the term “Blockbuster!” Still lively and fresh, it’s a joy to drink today, but will cruise for another decade.
Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 225, The Wine Advocate Drink Date 2016 – 2026
2006 La Pèira
95 RP
The 2006 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira comes from a cooler vintage where the team used additional saignée to boost the concentration level. Deep, rich and concentrated, it’s starting to show some maturity in its darker, chocolaty fruits, currants, licorice, and graphite aromas and flavors. Rich, full-bodied and beautifully balanced, it’s drinking right in its maturity window but has plenty of life. I would drink bottles over the coming 4-5 years, but it will certainly keep longer.
Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate Drink Date 2016 – 2021
2007 La Pèira
98 RP
A true blockbuster is the 2007 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira, which is one of the more Syrah-dominated releases with 68% Syrah and the rest a mix of Grenache and Mourvèdre. Utterly captivating in its sexy, exuberant, overflowing array of black raspberries, cassis, toasted spice, lavender and incense, this beauty has full-bodied richness and no hard edges, with sweet, sweet tannin and a finish that just won’t quit. It’s up there with the handful of greatest wines I’ve tasted from the south of France, and should continue to knock your socks off over the coming 8-10 years. Drink Date 2016 – 2026 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2008 La Pèira
95 RP
A hidden little gem, the 2008 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira offers a savory, complex, full-bodied, elegant style that shines in the vintage, and in fact, it might be one of the best wines from the south of France in the vintage. Giving up a terrific perfume of peppery herbs (there’s that classic Languedoc resinous scrub brush character), black fruits, truffle and crushed rock, it has beautiful mid-palate concentration, sound underlying structure and an impeccably balanced, age-worthy, lengthy feel. It shows incredible freshness and purity today, but will keep easily through 2026. It’s certainly not one of the most exuberant vintages here, yet it shows incredible class.
Drink Date 2016 – 2026 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2009 La Pèira
99 RP
I continue to absolutely love the 2009 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira, and where the 2010 shows a cool, Bordeaux-like elegance and austerity, the 2009 is pure southern France in its exuberant, sexy, voluptuous and hedonistic personality. Black raspberries, spice-box, licorice and cured meats all emerge from this full-bodied, sexy, beast of a wine. It’s worth noting that this is the first vintage were they made the final blend right after the vinification and before going into barrel. There’s no harm cracking this beauty today, but it will certainly keep for another decade or more. Drink Date 2016 – 2026 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2010 La Pèira
97+ RP
One of the standouts is the 2010 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira, and it might be the best in the lineup at maturity. Made from a blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Grenache that was brought up all in barrel, this full-bodied beauty shows a deep, concentrated, structured and cooler style to go with tons of black fruits, minerality, iron and a beef blood-like quality that comes out with time in the glass. Still youthful and fresh, with a touch of austerity, it needs another 2-3 years of cellaring and will keep through 2030.
Drink Date 2019 – 2030 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2011 La Pèira
96 RP
More sexy in style than the 2012, the 2011 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira offers fabulous notes of black raspberry, currants, beef blood, graphite and chocolate that continue to change and develop in the glass. A big, full-bodied, textured Languedoc, it shows the sunny nature of the vintage, has solid mid-palate depth, plenty of fine tannin and a hedonistic, yet elegant slant that’s impossible to resist. It should cruise for another decade. Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine AdvocateDrink Date 2016 – 2026
2012 La Pèira
92 RP
Perfumed, spicy and complex, with lots of red and black fruits, toasted spices, Provencal garrigue and leather, the 2012 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira is medium to full-bodied, upfront, charming and already drinking beautifully. It should keep through 2022. Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine AdvocateDrink Date 2015 – 2022
2013 La Pèira
93 RP
Showing a more open, supple and elegant profile now than when I tasted it at the domaine, the 2013 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira is a medium to full-bodied, seamless, nicely concentrated wine that has fine, polished tannin, solid overall concentration and beautiful notes of black raspberries, violets, crushed rocks and roasted herbs. It’s already accessible with a decant, yet should be at its best from 2018-2026. Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate Drink Date 2018-2026
2014 La Pèira
(93 – 96)
One of the wines of the vintage will be the 2014 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira comes from a single parcel of vines just beside the estate and is a mix of Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre that’s raised in 40% new barrels. Its inky color is followed by fabulous notes of blackberries, pepper, beef blood and violets. Big, rich, full-bodied and nicely balanced, with a great mid-palate and tons of chocolatey fruit on the finish, it’s less concentrated than the 2015 yet will evolve nicely on its balance. Issue Date 28th Apr 2016 Source 224, The Wine Advocate
2015 La Pèira
(94 – 96)+
A blend of 45% each of Grenache and Syrah, with the balance Mourvedre, the 2015 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira is brought up mostly in older oak, yet has a small percentage in new. It’s a bigger, richer, more concentrated wine than the Las Flors and offers serious notes of graphite, wood smoke, currants and crushed rocks. Tannic, backward and structured, don’t even think about touching bottles for at least 3-4 years. Issue Date 28th Apr 2017 Source 230, The Wine Advocate
2016 La Pèira
(95 – 97)
This will be another brilliant vintage for the cuvee, and the 2016 Terrasses du Larzac la Peira is a more Syrah-dominated cuvee: 70% Syrah, 25% Grenache and 5% Mourvedre. The change in the blend was due to the difficulty in Grenache in 2016 for the region, and the Las Flors blend is shifted to include less Grenache as well. This 2016 has terrific notes of cassis, pepper and ample meatiness, full-bodied richness, sweet, sweet tannin and a beautiful elegance and purity that makes it a gorgeous drink even today. More open and supple than the 2015, it should drink nicely on release, yet evolve gracefully on its balance and purity Issue Date 28th Apr 2017 Source 230, The Wine Advocate
Las Flors de la Pèira 2005-2016
2005 Las Flors de la Pèira
94 RP
A fabulous wine that sports a still youthful ruby color, the 2005 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira offers a complex, meaty, masculine profile that continues to show more and more fruit with time in the glass. Ripe black cherries, black olives, roasted herbs, scorched earth and lots of cured meat characteristics all give way to full-bodied, rich, concentrated, yet still elegant and textured Terrasses du Larzac. This should continue to drink beautifully for at least another 4-5 years (and probably longer, yet there’s no need to wait).
Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 225, The Wine Advocate Drink Date 2008 – 2020
2006 Las Flors de la Pèira
96 RP
Compared to the 2005, the 2006 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira is more elegant and feminine, with its deep ruby (and still vibrant) color giving way to beautiful notes of ripe black cherries, Provencal garrigue, sweet spice and hints of dark chocolate. Full-bodied, pure, silky and elegant, with sweet, integrated tannin, it too is drinking beautifully and will keep for another 4-5 years. I actually prefer this over the top cuvee.
Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate Drink Date 2009 – 2020
2007 Las Flors de la Pèira
97 RP
Wow, hello beautiful! The sensational 2007 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira (40% Syrah, 40% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre) tastes like a top flight Chateauneuf du Pape with its ripe black raspberry, black cherry, licorice, baking spice and roasted herb-laced bouquet. Possessing full-bodied richness, a stacked mid-palate and a luxurious texture that carries sweet tannin, no hard edges and a great finish, this beauty is firing on all cylinders today, but will continue drinking beautifully through 2025. Drink Date 2010 – 2025 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2008 Las Flors de la Pèira
91 RP
More Grenache-dominated, with smaller parts Syrah and Mourvedre, the 2008 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira is inky colored and has tons of black currant, dark chocolate, resinous herbs, and scorched earth aromas and flavors. Full-bodied, focused and nicely concentrated, it has solid concentration, yet lacks the overall charm and texture found in the prior vintages. Nevertheless, it’s certainly a beautiful wine that will keep for another 5-7 years.
Drink Date 2011 – 2023 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2009 Las Flors de la Pèira
96 RP
Another tour de force is the 2009 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira, which is 33% each Syrah and Grenache, with the rest primarily Mourvedre. Similar in style to the sexy and voluptuous 2007, yet possibly with a touch more purity (but maybe less overall density), it offers a sensational bouquet of sweet black currants, caramelized meats, licorice, black raspberries and chocolate, with an additional floral, sappy character emerging with time in the glass. Full-bodied, concentrated, yet sexy, lively and still fresh, it has terrific purity of fruit, nicely integrated acidity and a great finish. Drink this fab Terrasses du Larzac anytime over the coming decade (although it’s brilliant today).
Drink Date 2012 – 2026 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2010 Las Flors de la Pèira
93 RP
The 2010 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira (55% Grenache, 30% Syrah and the rest Mourvèdre) is deep ruby/ purple-colored and offers lots of black cherries and assorted darker fruits to go with lots of funky herbs, damp river rock, bay leaf, and cured meat-like aromas and flavors. Beautifully concentrated, elegant and silky, with fine tannin, good acidity and plenty of length, it should hit prime time in another handful of years and drink nicely through 2026.
Drink Date 2016 – 2026 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2011 Las Flors de la Pèira
92 RP
A charming, forward, silky effort, the 2011 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira offers tons of kirsch, toasted spice, garrigue and licorice notes in a medium to full-bodied, silky, beautifully elegant, seamless style. It’s drinking nicely today, and there’s no need to delay gratification. Drink Date 2014 – 2021 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2012 Las Flors de la Pèira
89 RP
Similar in style to the 2011, the medium-ruby colored 2012 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira offers lightweight notes of kirsch, garrigue, underbrush, and hints of meatiness in a surprisingly forward, moderately concentrated, straightforward style. While it’s certainly a solid wine, it’s a far cry from the more concentrated, textured and layered earlier vintages. Drink Date 2015-2022 Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2013 Las Flors de la Pèira
91 RP
A pretty, elegant version of this cuvee, which is the hallmark of the vintage, the 2013 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira offers a darker slant to its fruit profile and has lots of blackberry, cracked pepper, violets, saddle leather and distinct minerality. This medium-bodied, pure, polished beauty has already integrated tannin, notable purity of fruit and a great finish. It’s a beautiful effort in a difficult vintage. Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate Drink Date 2015 – 2023
2014 Las Flors de la Pèira
(89 – 92) RP
Similar in style to a slightly more concentrated 2012, the beautiful 2014 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira offers lots of sweet black cherries, Provencal garrigue, saddle leather and crushed flower-like characteristics in a medium-bodied, supple, polished and elegant style. Drink this total charmer on release and over the following 7-8 years. Issue Date 30th Jun 2016 Source 225, The Wine Advocate
2015 Las Flors de la Pèira
(94 – 96)+
Not yet bottled, the 2015 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira has put on considerable weight and richness since I tasted it last year. Checking in as a blend of 45% Syrah, 35% Grenache and the rest Mourvedre, aged primarily in older barrels, it boasts terrific notes of black raspberries, cassis, graphite and pepper. Full-bodied, voluptuous and decadent, yet always pure and impeccably balanced, it’s going to be just about impossible to resist on release. Issue Date 28th Apr 2017 Source 230, The Wine Advocate
2016 Las Flors de la Pèira
(93-96)
I was able to taste the individual components of the 2016 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de la Peira, and this more Grenache-dominated cuvee always impresses for its upfront, sexy fruit and texture. The 2016 offers lots of both red and black fruits, spice and pepper, with medium to full-bodied richness, impressively sweet tannin and a finesse-oriented style. Issue Date 28th Apr 2017 Source 230, The Wine Advocate
The Judgement of Antwerp: La Peira vs. The First Growths 2005-2015 – Young Charly Dinner
To the beautiful city of Antwerp and the wonderful portside restaurant, Het Pomphuis, for a La Pèira dinner with Young Charly. Young Charly exclusively represents the wines of Gaja, Ornellaia, Chapoutier, Champagne Gosset, Domaine Ott (to name but a few from its exceptional portfolio) and hosted and organised a fantastic exploration of the La Pèira vintages over the last decade.
The Wines
Tasting a decade of La Pèira at the wonderful Het Pomphuis, Antwerp / Young Charly Dinner
Port House: Antwerp. Courtesy of Zaha Hadid Architects
After an aperitif (Champagne Gosset) while admiring architect Zaha Hadid’s boat atop the old Port House, the dinner began with the whites: 2015 Deusyls de La Pèira and the 2015 La Pèira blanc. The 2015 Deusyls impressed with its youthful exuberance, while the 2015 La Pèira blanc (a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier) was more reserved with the feeling it would make old bones. Two contrasting wines, with both finding favour among the group. There followed the estate’s third wine, Obriers de la Pèira and two vintages (the 2014 & the 2007) of Las Flors de la Pèira. Again the two vintages of Las Flors offered a contrast. The 2007 – in part due to the year – was denser, darker and more concentrated than the 2014 vintage. And the 2014 vintage offered a liveliness, a feeling of more red fruits, and layers of appeal. Both were enjoyed as an expression of their respective vintages with different tasters expressing a fondness for each vintage. And then four contrasting vintages of the La Pèira cuvée: 2006, 2009, 2012, 2014. In short: the 2006 vintage continental and reminiscent of the Medoc perhaps, the 2009 vintage, hugely opulent, rich and Mediterranean, the 2012 vintage, medium-bodied, with a lovely purity and focus and perfect to drink from now on, and the 2014 vintage, full-bodied but balanced with a beautiful transitioning from the attack, to mid palate, to finish. It was a joy to taste the wines, which brought back memories.
The Judgement of Antwerp
La Pèira and the First Growths Over a Decade
Very cleverly, as part of Young Charly’s program notes for the event, La Pèira’s performance over the last decade was charted – alongside that of the First Growths/Premier Grand Crus of Château Lafite Rothschild, Château Mouton-Rothschild, Château Margaux, Château Latour, Château Haut-Brion. William Mortelmans, Directeur général of the (now) ironically-named Young Charly (one of the biggest wine merchants and importers in Belgium & owners of Saint Emilion Grand Cru, Château Fougueyrat) noticed that La Pèira had outperformed almost all of Bordeaux’s 5 First Growths over the last decade and structured the retrospective dinner and a wonderful evening exploring La Pèira’s wines of that period (the evening solely focused on the La Pèira wines) around that theme: The Judgement of Antwerp.
La Pèira Second
From the group, La Pèira came second to Haut-Brion over the decade when the Wine Advocate’s notes were averaged out. • Château Haut-Brion 96.82 • La Pèira 95.82 • Château Latour 95.73 • Château Margaux 95.36 • Château Mouton-Rothschild 95.09 • Château Lafite Rothschild 95.00 Over the years the wines have been noted by David Schildknecht, Jeb Dunnuck (more recently), Robert Parker, and Neal Martin.
Audrey BONNET–KOENIG
Audrey Bonnet, the Directrice technique, and winemaker at La Pèira explained the work behind the wines, the soils, the appellation, the cepages, the vineyard work, the harvesting and elevage, and it was a real pleasure to meet with supporters of the estate, and to present the wines with Young Charly who have been great supporters of the estate’s work over the years. One of a small select group of supporters in different countries – all who have made the work at La Pèira possible.
A very special La Pèira dinner with Young Charly, Het Pomphuis, Antwerp
For more about the wines tasted:
Deusyls de La Pèira 2015
[Tasting notes all vintages of La Pèira’s second white Deusyls – link]
La Pèira Blanc 201
[Tasting notes all vintages of the La Pèira Blanc – link]
Obriers de la Pèira 2014
Las Flors de la Pèira 2007
Las Flors de la Pèira 2014
[Tasting notes all vintages of the Las Flors de la Pèira the estate’s second wine – link]
La Pèira 2006
La Pèira 2009
La Pèira 2012
La Pèira 2014
[Tasting notes all vintages of the La Pèira – link]
La Peira: one of a select list of estates in France to receive a ✪✪✪✪✪ rating in 10th edition Wine Behind the Label Guide
La Pèira is one of a select list of estates in France to receive a ✪✪✪✪✪ (super 5 stars, restricted to the true classics, out-and-out world class) rating in the 10th edition of the Wine Behind the Label worldwide guide.
It is the only estate in the Languedoc to receive this rating. One of three in the entire South of France. By contrast, for example, there were over twenty estates in both Bordeaux and the northern and southern Rhone, and six estates in Champagne (see below).
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Ratings
★ a wine of good quality, not just sound but of good fruit and with some character.
★★ a wine with more depth, interest and concentration, usually with some aging potential
★★★ a very good, even fine, wine. In the case of many reds repaying lengthy cellaring.
★★★★ a wine of very high quality, among the very best even in a top appellation or region.
★★★★★ outstanding quality, potentially a classic.
✪✪✪✪✪ super 5 stars, restricted to the true classics, out-and-out world-class.
✩ white stars are used to show a superior wine at a given rating
We have rated as many of a producer’s wines as possible, but in some instances, the wines are too new or too scarce to have yet received a rating. Such wines are covered in the text only.
✪✪✪✪✪
Southern France ✪✪✪✪✪ (Inc. Provence, South-west France)
La Pèira (Terrasses du Larzac) Hameau de Sainte-Brigitte, 34750 Map Link
Clos des Fées (Petite Sibérie) 69 Maréchal-Joffre, 66600 Vingrau Map Link
Domaine Gauby (Muntada) La Faradjal, 66600 Calce Map Link
Bordeaux ✪✪✪✪✪
Chateau Climens Barsac – 33720 Barsac Map Link
Chateau Cos d’Estournel 33180 Saint-Estephe Map Link
Chateau Ducru-Beaucaillou 33250 Saint-Julien-Beychevelle Map Link
Chateau Haut-Brion Domaine Clarence Dillon 33608 Pessac Cedex Map Link
Chateau Lafite-Rothschild 33250 Pauillac Map Link
Chateau Latour Saint-Lambert, 33250 Pauillac Map Link
Chateau Leoville-las-Cases 33250 Saint-Julien-Beychevelle Map Link
Chateau Margaux 33460 Margaux Map Link
Chateau la Mission Haut-Brion 33608 Pessac Map Link
Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 33250 Pauillac Map Link
Chateau Palmer Cantenac, 33460 Margaux Map Link
Chateau Pichon-Longueville 33250 Pauillac Map Link
Chateau Rieussec (Sauternes) 33210 Fargues-de-Langon Map Link
Chateau d’Yquem (Sauternes) 33210 Sauternes Map Link
Chateau Angelus 33330 Saint-Emilion Map Link
Chateau Ausone 33330 Saint-Emilion Map Link
Chateau Cheval Blanc 33330 Saint-Emilion Map Link
Chateau L’Eglise-Clinet 33500 Pomerol Map Link
Chateau Lafleur (Pomerol) 33240 Mouillac Map Link
La Mondotte 33330 Saint-Emilion Map Link
Chateau Petrus 1 Rue Petrus-Arnaud, 33500 Pomerol Map Link
Chateau Le Pin Les Grands Champs, 33500 Pomerol Map Link
Champagne ✪✪✪✪✪
Billecart-Salmon (Nicolas-François Billecart) 51160 Mareuil-sur-Aÿ Map Link
Bollinger (Bollinger RD) 16 Rue Jules-Lobet, BP4, 51160 Aÿ Map Link
Charles Heidsieck Blanc des Millénaires Vintage 51100 Reims Map Link
Krug (Clos du Mesnil Vintage) 5 Rue Coquebert, 51100 Reims Map Link
Moët et Chandon Dom Pérignon 51220 Épernay Map Link
Pol Roger Sir Winston Churchill Vintage 51206 Epernay Map Link
Champagne Louis Roederer Cristal Vintage/Vintage rose 51100 Reims Map Link
Rhone (North and South) ✪✪✪✪✪
M. Chapoutier (Hermitage) Various 26600 Tain-l’Hermitage Map Link
Guigal (La Turque, La Landonne, La Mouline) 69420 Ampuis Map Link
Jean-Louis Chave (Hermitage Cuvée Cathelin, Blanc) 07300 Mauves Map Link
Auguste Clape (Cornas) RN 146, 07130 Cornas Map Link
Yves Cuilleron (Condrieu Les Ayguets) Verlieu, 42140 Chavanay Map Link
Delas Frères (Hermitage Les Bessards) 07300 Saint-Jean-de-Muzols Map Link
Pierre Gaillard Condrieu Fleur d’Automne) Chez Favier, 42520 Malleval Map Link
Paul Jaboulet-Aine (Hermitage La Chapelle) 26600 Tain-l’Hermitage Map Link
Domaine Michel Ogier ( Côte-Rôtie Belle Hélène) 69420 Ampuis Map Link
Rene Rostaing (Côte-Rôtie Côte Blonde) 69420 Ampuis Map Link
François Villard (Quintessence) 42410 Saint-Michel-sur-Rhône Map Link
Henri Bonneau (Réserve des Célestins) 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Map Link
Chateau de Beaucastel (Hommage à Jacques Perrin, Vieilles Vignes Blanc) 84350 Courthezon Map Link
Chateau Rayas Châteauneuf-du-Pape 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Map Link
Clos du Caillou Châteauneuf-du-Pape Réserve 84350 Courthezon Map Link
Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape 84231 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Map Link
Clos Saint Jean (Deus ex-Machina) 84231Châteauneuf-du-Pape Map Link
Domaine de La Janasse (Vieilles Vignes) 84350 Courthezon Map Link
Les Cailloux (Cuvée Centenaire) 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Map Link
Domaine de Marcoux (Vieilles Vignes) 84100 Orange Map Link
Domaine du Pegaü (Cuvée da Capo) 84230 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Map Link
Domaine de La Vieille-Julienne (Vieilles Vignes) 84100 Orange Map Link
Domaine de Vieux-Télégraphe 84370 Bedarrides Map Link
La Pèira Full Entry in the Wine Behind the Label Guide
❁ La Pèira (Terrasses du Larzac) www.la-peira.com Rob Dougan & Karine Ahton Hameau de Sainte-Brigitte, 34750 Tel: 09 70 46 74 68
This is a significant new name, founded in 2004, for really top quality Languedoc reds. The domaine vineyards are located in the Terrasses du Larzac sub-region and are planted on gravely, limestone free-draining soils at the foot of the Larzac plateau. The approach to viticulture and vinification respectively is rigorous control of yields and non-intervention. As well as the magnificent La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac, the domaine also produces two other reds; Las Flors de la Pèira, a richly textured blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault aged in small oak with concentrated black fruit character. There is also a cheaper red Les Obriers de la Pèira which comes from a combination of old Cinsault and Carignan. It is a more approachable style, aged in a combination of used demi-muids France 657 Languedoc and foudres. There are now two whites; Deusyls de la Pèira comes from Viognier, Roussanne and Marsanne with vines ranging from 10 to over 50 years of age. It is aged for up to two years in oak on lees. This has now been joined by a La Pèira Blanc. This is a brilliant stylish, elegant and intense white, combining mainly Roussanne and Viognier with Marsanne, Grenache Blanc and Clairette.. Vinification is in 300 litre French oak. The crowning glory though is the top red which is also one of the most expensive from the Midi, La Pèira. Perhaps it’s no surprise that MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC and GRANGES DES PÈRES are nearby. This is an immensely rich and extracted red but with a fine balance as well. The wine is fermented at medium/high temperature 28-30º C and is macerated on skins for anything from six to eight weeks. Individual plots are separately vinified and additional extraction is kept to a minimum with limited pigéage. As you would expect the wine is bottled unfiltered and unfined. (DM)
Recommended Reds:
La Pèira Terrasses du Larzac ✪✪✪✪✪ £G
Las Flors de la Pèira Terrasses du Larzac ★★★★ £E
Obriers de la Pèira Terrasses du Larzac ★★★★ £E
Recommended Whites:
La Pèira blanc ★★★★★ £F
IGP de L’Herault Deusylys ★★★★ £F
Purchase La Pèira library vintages, large formats, rare vintages, and En Primeur offers here:
http://especiaria-de-la-peira.com/
http://www.la-peira.com/lespeciaria/
Limited Edition Print: Le Vignoble de La Peira
LE VIGNOBLE DE LA PÈIRA
LE PARCELLAIRE ET LES CÉPAGES
To mark the 10th vintage of the current team at La Pèira we commissioned British designer, Simon Mercer, to create a limited edition print mapping the various / (with the cepages planted) where the wines are grown. La Pèira is grown on the Bois de Pauliau, Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre from Belle Fiolle (Bellefeuille) comprise Las Flors, the estate’s second wine, Carignan and Cinsault from Belle Fiolle and Les Pointes make up the Obriers cuvee.
The Vineyards of La Pèira – The Land and Cepages By Simon Mercer
The limited edition print of 500 is printed on French fine art paper, with each print stamped and numbered.
It can be purchased at the Especiariá Store here:
Limited Edition Map Print | Le Vignoble de La Pèira – Le Parcellaire et les Cépages
This is not the first time we’ve done this. Abigail Daker’s print Le Grand Cru du Sud de la France / Southern France’s First Growth issued at the beginning of 2015 can be seen here.
La Peira 2013 Vintage: “In contrast to elsewhere in France, 2013 was a superb vintage in Languedoc-Roussillon”
La Pèira Vintage 2013
“In contrast to elsewhere in France, 2013 was a superb vintage in Languedoc-Roussillon”
Decanter Magazine on the 2013 Vintage.
PDF of the Vintage (with Wine Reviews) here.
Cliquez ici pour le site français: La Pèira journal
If in Bordeaux, 2013 was one of the hardest vintages for 30 years; in Burgundy, the second growing season from hell in a row; and in the Rhône a tricky vintage as well – in our region the vintage has been reported to be as good as the best vintages of the 80s and the 90s, and a super year for Syrah. “Certainly the best vintage since 2001”, one grower opined, summarising the consensus view.
Jeb Dunnuck, of the Wine Advocate, concurred with growers and other observers in his 2014 overview of the vintage, stating:
“While the vast majority of France struggled in 2013 with cooler, rainy conditions, the perennial sunny Languedoc and Roussillon are on track to have a good, possibly exceptional vintage. A late harvest across the region, Jérémie Depierre of La Pèira calls the vintage “great” but atypical, and goes on to say that it “combines that delicacy and youthful feeling of finesse of the 2012 – but with more the frame and body of 2011 – or even a hint of the 2010.” Claude Fonquerle of L’Oustal Blanc also says that the vintage is atypical, but comments on the silkiness and high quality of the tannin. Anne Gros of Domaine Anne Gros calls the vintage great, going on to say that there was “late maturity with excellent acidity and moderate degrees (of alcohol).” She elaborates that the vintage is “one of precision, a touch of austerity, and in the future, great concentration? a great vintage … to keep!” (The Languedoc and Roussillon: 2011, 2012 and 2013 May 1, 2014).
The vintage in précis:
• A cold, wet spring
• A late Flowering in first & second week of June, several weeks behind schedule
• Moderate temperatures during the growing season and a cool summer
• A warm “Indian summer” at the end encouraged ripeness
• Glorious sunshine and warmth over the late-season of September and October at La Pèira allowed the harvesting of ripe grapes without the threat of rain, or rot
And the result?
• Aromatic similarities to the cooler, more blue fruit and mineral-driven 2012s
• Fresh, lively and focused wines. But at La Pèira with a concentration, purity of fruit, with ample tannin.
• 2013 is perhaps a contrast to the recent richer vintages like 2006, 2007, 2009 and 2010
• Bright acidities, yet with depth on the mid-palate and concentration
La Pèira 2013 – Terrasses Du Larzac
It was also a special vintage at La Pèira, as it was the penultimate vinified by Jérémie Depierre (2014 the last), and the first where we bottled a certain cuvée that we’ve spent 10 years preparing for (growing, planting, tresising, planning): the La Pèira blanc 2013.
La Pèira Blanc
Since the first vintage we’ve made the white, Deusyls (the white equivalent of the domaine’s second wine, Las Flors.)
From the beginning it was received well:
“This is one of the best white wines I have tasted from the Midi. It has texture, warmth and viscosity, a nose that evokes fennel, spring flowers, lemon, crushed chalk and a hint of tobacco” said Simon Field of its first vintage, the 2005.
10 years later, in 2015, we’ve finally got to the point where, with a lot of work and preparation we’re confident enough to bottle the La Pèira white. We’ve worked with the white varieties now for a decade; a decade of really intensive vineyard work and farming. Over that period we’ve planted more white varieties, starting off with Viognier and the Roussanne, and then we added Marsanne and Clairette Blanche and also Grenache blanc. There’s been a huge amount of work that’s happened on the white side – and also the red side in the same vein – at La Pèira in the last ten years. All of which is just now finding its way into the cuvées. We have continually improved our viticulture, the trellising and working of the vines with an ambitious white development programme, and the planting of additional red grape varieties and plots.
On the red front, we’ve had the planting Syrah in Bois de Pauliau in 2009 & 2012 – which is now just coming into its own, and new Grenache on the Pauliau plot in 2012, (both of which will hopefully enter the La Pèira cuvee at some point) along with the acquiring very exciting old plots of Carignan and Cinsault that we’ve have nursed and worked with over the last years. So really the white has now come on leaps and bounds. We’re also now in a position to look back and taste the 2005 and see how is that white – the Deusyls de la Pèira – is tasting after ten years. We intend to make the La Pèira blanc in the same spirit as the La Pèira red. (Where there the La Pèira white is the first wine and the Deusyls is the second white.) The new plantings and all the vineyard work has finally given us the confidence to make a La Pèira Blanc. And exciting possibilities in the years ahead on the red front.
Robert Dougan July, 2015
The Reviews
La Pèira 2013
“ Moving to their top cuvee, the 2013 Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira shows the purity and freshness of the vintage. Tasted out of barrel and a blend of mostly Syrah, with one-third Grenache, it exhibits impressive raspberry, cassis, violets (and assorted floral nuances), exotic spices and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, vibrant and decidedly elegant and fresh profile on the palate. As with the other 2013 barrel samples, I expect this to continue to gain weight and richness in barrel. Given the overall purity and balance, I imagine it will be reasonably approachable on release, yet benefit from short-term cellaring.” Wine Advocate 95–97/100
Las Flors De La Pèira 2013
“ The 2013 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de La Pèira checks in as a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10–15% Mourvedre and the balance Cinsault and Carignan. Aged 18 months in a combination of small and larger barrels, 15–20% being new, it is a pretty, perfumed and elegant rendition of the cuvee that exhibits plenty of strawberry, raspberry, lilac and exotic spices to go with a medium-bodied, energetic feel on the palate. Juicy and decidedly fresh, it should continue to gain weight in barrel and flesh out once bottled.” Wine Advocate 91–94/100
Obriers De La Pèira 2014
“Then there is also what might be regarded as a third wine, Les Obriers de la Pèira, that retails at around £17 a bottle (see my tasting notes on a wide array of vintages with an average score of around 16 or 16.5).”
Jancis Robinson
“ Gorgeous blueberry, blackberry and raspberry notes jump from the glass of this elegant, pure, medium-bodied wine that has exceptional fragrance at this price point, excellent concentration and nice texture and overall equilibrium. This is a beauty that’s quite Burgundian in style and very pure. Drink it over the next 2–3 years.”
Wine Advocate, 90/100
Inaugural Release of the La Pèira Blanc
La Pèira Blanc
We’re excited to announce the release of the La Pèira blanc 2013. This is the first release of this cuvée, and there’s only 500 bottles, so we may follow this up with the release of the La Pèira blanc 2014.
As mentioned, we’ve bottled a second white, the Deusyls de la Pèira, since 2005, and from the first, the critical response was exceptional:
• “This is one of the best white wines I have tasted from the Midi.” Simon Field MW BBR & The World of Fine Wine –
• “Like a lovely Northern Rhône white. Really exciting and good.” Jancis Robinson on the same 2005 Deusyls vintage
• “The rare white from La Pèira is surprising even its creators with its excellence and stamina, and new plantings have recently gone in of Roussanne as well as some Marsanne.” David Schildknecht Wine Advocate & The World of Fine Wine.
Since then, we’ve learnt more about the background of the white varieties at La Pèira, as this interview with Jancis Robinson for her article La Pèira vertical and other Languedoc treasures relates:
“Oddly for this region, La Pèira’s Bois de Pauliau vineyard has been designated AOC for over half a century, as the most northerly of the two zones of the Clairette du Languedoc AOC (1948). Near La Pèira, and still in the Clairette AOC, France’s earliest known winery (10 AD) was discovered in 2007. Indeed, the first mention of French wine in literature as being of significant merit is found in Pliny’s Natural History (77–79 AD) in which the white wines of Baeterrae [Béziers] nearby are cited as worthy of note (alongside the resinous reds of Vienne). (Béziers is situated on a vast plain of quaternary alluvium that follows two seams northward along the Orb river toward St-Chinian and along the Hérault river toward the Terrasses du Larzac).”
Inspired by this history of white wine production, we’ve planted Clairette, alongside Marsanne, Roussanne in 2009, and further Roussanne and Grenache blanc in 2013.
The La Pèira blanc cuvee is a blend of Roussanne, Marsanne, Viognier. Roussanne, of course, along with Marsanne, comprise the great Hermitage whites, with the Viognier grape comprising the wines of Condrieu.
The first of these plantings are coming on board. And this, alongside the vineyard work, and the encouraging tastings of the Deusyls 2005 and other vintages over the last 10 years has led to the development of the La Pèira blanc (albeit in limited availability).
Introducing Audrey Bonnet–Koenig
About Audrey
Audrey is from Strasbourg, Alsace. After studying science, she changed course to study as an agronomic engineer at the University of Bordeaux, then joined the research lab of Denis Dubourdieu, Professor of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux (working with Château Doisy Daëne, Clos Floridène, and consultant at Château Cheval Blanc) also working at the associated oenological lab.
Audrey takes up the baton from Jeremie Depierre, whose time at La Pèira, over 10 years, ending with the 2014 vintage was one of extraordinary achievement. (See own piece first published March 11, 2009. For more details click here.)
Gaining some international experience working in Franschhoek, in the Stellenbosch region, she returned to France finally becoming Directrice technique at Château de Sérame a 500 hectare property located near the Canal du Midi and owned by the Dourthe / CBGB Grand Crus groupe. There she was responsible for the winemaking, and vine growing, converting the entire 175 hectares of vineyard to organic farming. For the last 7 years, she’s worked with Oenologist Claude Gros who has worked with us at La Pèira from the start.
La Peira Offer En Primeur 2013
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La Peira Offer En Primeur 2013 Finishes
At the end of last year, the ‘Who’s Who in France’ by Meininger’s Wine Business International, after citing names such as Bize Leroy, Aubert de Villaine, & the Guigal Family (along with Dubourdieu, Rolland, and Derenoncourt) made the following observation:
“Finally, a tip for forward looking wine buyers. There is speculation that investing, for both pleasure and profit, in Languedoc Roussillon rather than Bordeaux might be the way to go. Names cited as worth watching include Isabelle and Mathieu Champart at Mas Champart, Jérémie Depierre and consultant oenologist Claude Gros at La Pèira, Olivier Jullien at Mas Jullien and Claude and Isabel Fonquerle at L’Oustal Blanc.”
Uniquely in France, 2013 was an exceptional vintage in this region.
And for the very first time, this year, we made an En Primeur offer for the 2013/2014 vintage (now closed).
We offered a ‘bespoke’ option, and had impressive requests for everything from a Magnum to Salmanazars…
And also a default option where a half case or full case of one or several wines could be selected.
For those who didn’t take advantage of this, do drop us a line regarding next year, and do search out these wonderful wines (notes follow) now they’ve been released.
Tasting notes
2013 La Pèira
“Moving to their top cuvee, the 2013 Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira shows the purity and freshness of the vintage. Tasted out of barrel and a blend of mostly Syrah, with one-third Grenache, it exhibits impressive raspberry, cassis, violets (and assorted floral nuances), exotic spices and licorice to go with a medium to full-bodied, vibrant and decidedly elegant and fresh profile on the palate. As with the other 2013 barrel samples, I expect this to continue to gain weight and richness in barrel. Given the overall purity and balance, I imagine it will be reasonably approachable on release, yet benefit from short-term cellaring.” 95–97/100 Wine Advocate
2013 Las Flors de la Pèira
“The 2013 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de La Pèira checks in as a blend of 50% Grenache, 25% Syrah, 10-15% Mourvedre and the balance Cinsault and Carignan. Aged 18 months in a combination of small and larger barrels, 15-20% being new, it is a pretty, perfumed and elegant rendition of the cuvee that exhibits plenty of strawberry, raspberry, lilac and exotic spices to go with a medium-bodied, energetic feel on the palate. Juicy and decidedly fresh, it should continue to gain weight in barrel and flesh out once bottled.” 91-94/100 Wine Advocate
Obriers de la Pèira 2014 Unreviewed as yet
“Then there is also what might be regarded as a third wine, Les Obriers de la Pèira, that retails at around £17 a bottle (see my tasting notes on a wide array of vintages with an average score of around 16 or 16.5).” Jancis Robinson on the Obriers cuvee *
All previous vintages of the Obriers since 2005 have been rated 90/100 or over
Wine Advocate on the Obriers Cuvee
(* See: Article: La Pèira vertical and other [Languedoc treasures] http://www.jancisrobinson.com/articles/la-peira-vertical-and-other-languedoc-treasures _
To the beautiful city of Antwerp and the wonderful portside restaurant, Het Pomphuis, for a La Pèira dinner with Young Charly.
A Look at La Peira’s 2012-2013 offering
An Overview of La Pèira’s Current Release: 2012-2013
2012 was an interesting and perhaps atypical vintage at La Pèira. Jancis Robinson spoke some its qualities in her review below of the 2012, pinpointing, “lots of sinewy appeal”, “Cool and fresh”. Jeb Dunnuck of the Wine Advocate spoke of “medium to full-bodied wines”, “Pure, focused and nicely concentrated”. This vintage is matched with the 2013 bottlings of the Obriers de la Pèira, the domaine’s third wine, and the white, Deusyls de La Pèira. Both in the wonderfully exuberant primary phase at the moment.
Information about the vintages and La Pèira are set out (alongside some lovely images of the domaine) in the following brochures in English ( La Peira: Vintages 2012-2013 ) and French ( La Peira: Notre Millesime 2012-2013 ).
La Pèira 2012
The 2012 Terrasses du Larzac La Pèira is similar in style, with lively and fresh cassis, black raspberry, graphite, licorice and cedar notes flowing to a medium to full-bodied, profile on the palate. Pure, focused and nicely concentrated, enjoy it over the coming 10–12 years. Wine Advocate 94–96/100
Mid ruby. Very different from the previous vintages – and I suspect not just because it is younger. Broader and more floral and transparent somehow. A real joker with none of the intensity of the previous vintages but with lots of sinewy appeal. Cool and fresh and with lots of freshness. To be drunk sooner than some? Jancis Robinson 17/20
Las Flors de la Pèira 2012
In the same mould, with an overall elegant, seamless feel, the 2012 Terrasses du Larzac Las Flors de La Pèira gives up ample blackberry, pepper, crushed flowers, resinous herbs and hints of licorice in it’s medium-bodied, nicely textured and balanced personality. It should drink well on release and evolve gracefully through 2022. Wine Advocate 90–93/10
Obriers de la Pèira 2013
Moving to their entry level, Cinsault-based release, the 2013 Terrasses du Larzac Les Obriers de la Pèira (65% Cinsault and 35% Carignan aged half in oak tanks and half in 600-liter barrels) is perfumed and complex, with plenty of sweet kirsch, exotic pepper, spices and leatherstyled aromas and flavors. Medium-bodied, lightly textured and elegant, with a seamless profile, it should easily be an outstanding example of this cuvee and drink nicely for 5–8 years. Wine Advocate 90–92/100
Deusyls de La Pèira 2013
The 2013 Deusyls de La Pèira Blanc, which was tasted out of barrel, is a blend of 55% Roussanne, 40% Viognier and 5% Marsanne that’s aging all in smaller barrels. Offering up gorgeous apple, citrus blossom and ample minerality in its medium-bodied, fresh and pure profile, it has both freshness and richness, with beautiful length. Enjoy it over the coming 3–5 years. Wine Advocate 92–94/100
Especiaria de La Peira: Online store
Especiariá de La Pèira: Online store
After some time, we’re delighted to announce the launch of our Especiariá de La Pèira (our online store purely for the sale of unavailable vintages & large format bottling, as well as en premier offers).
Especiariá – an Occitan word – finds its match in French with the word: épicerie.
For some time we’ve had a small store in French only, supplied from our home in Southern France, for delivery in France only. It is here. That’s where this first came about.
Now for the first time we’ve extended this into English, and with a wider delivery range.
Current vintages of the wines of La Pèira cannot be acquired there (see here for stockists)
Abigail Daker Limited Edition Print
Excited to be able to offer a few old hidden treasures from the cellars at La Pèira, we commissioned the British fine artist, Abigail Daker, to create a limited edition print to mark the opening of our Especiariá.
Abgail took a view of the Lieu-dit that produces the La Pèira cuvée (the Bois de Pauliau) and combined it with some kind words of Andrew McMurray (Vice President of Zachys Wine Merchants) on La Pèira, creating a striking Limited Edition print.
Inspired in part by the vintage iconic Southern France advertising prints – those of Pernod and Railway & Travel graphic works spring to mind – the print is released in an edition of 400.
More about a launch voucher marking the same below – but, before that, here it is the print:
It can be seen here at the Especiariá Store:
Limited Edition Print by Abigail Daker “Southern France’s First Growth” or here: “Le Grand Cru du Sud de la France” Limited Edition Print
Launch Voucher
As we’ve just launched – and while everything functions smoothly – just in case there any small issues that need to be ironed out, we’re offering a voucher (with a discount of 10%) over the period until the end of the End of January.
The voucher code is: LaPeiraBetaLaunch
The domaine can be contacted (below) and with a similar form on each page on the Especiariá site. This form can also be used for any questions or queries.
Again the address is here: Especiariá de La Pèira . Feel free to peruse and let us know regarding an comments, requests, or complaints.
Jancis Robinson: La Peira vertical 2005-2013 and other Languedoc treasures
November at La Peira: The chai among the vines Photo Credit: Georges Souche
“Below most significantly is an account of all vintages ever made of the grand vin of one of the Languedoc’s most ambitious estates, La Pèira en Damaisèla”
reports Jancis Robinson MW in her article on her November La Peira vertical tasting of the vintages 2005-2012.
November can be grim. “No sun – no moon! No morn – no noon – No dawn – no dusk – no proper time of day”, the poet Thomas Hood wrote of the month. But for its many imperfections, it’s surely the perfect month of the year to pair with red wine. You hear no no’s in November when the subject of a glass of red wine is raised. After November, merriness turns to indulgence, indulgence to indolence, indolence to reflection, and reflection to thoughts of self improvement, and with that the New Year has begun.
So it was that early in the New Year, Jancis Robinson MW published her November vertical tasting notes of the wine of La Pèira – vintages 2005-2013.
This was not the first vertical tasting of the La Pèira wines. No, the very first took place at royal warrant-holding wine merchants Berry Bros & Rudd London’s St James’ cellars on a June evening in 2011.
There, after an aperitif (Champagne Pierre Péters) several flights of older vintages of the wines of La Pèira were looked at by a small but appreciative audience lead by Simon Field MW.
Long after the Harvest: Autumnal November at La PèiraPhoto Credit: Georges Souche
The second occurred after strong spring rains in Southern France in 2013 with wine writer Andrew Jefford and was written-up for Decanter Magazine and Gourmet Traveller Wine. Gathered around a wooden table in the center of the chai at La Pèira, Mr Jefford marveled at the soil’s capacity to absorb the vast amounts of water these exceptional spring rains had visited upon them.
Anyway, fortunately for us – be it a valiant defiance of the November gloom, or a popular appreciation of the region – Jancis Robinson’s tasting article takes an in-depth look at the history, geology, and background of the La Pèira estate.
The article begins with an interested fact. Apparently, a recent survey of what articles are deemed most popular on her site reveal her readers have a particularly interested the wines of the Languedoc. As she relates, “I’m thrilled by this as I sincerely believe that the best wines of the Languedoc represent some of France’s best value: great handcrafted, terroir-influenced wine”.
On the La Pèira wines:
“These wines really are very good as they should be since they cost around £70 a bottle from their principal UK retailer Berry Bros although admittedly only about 300 cases are made each year. They also make about 500 cases of a second wine, the red Rhône blend Las Flors de la Pèira (about £30 a bottle), and a white blend Deusyls de la Pèira at the same price. And as though this were not enough, there is a varietal Mourvèdre called Matissat, about which I wrote last year in La Pèira’s varietal Mourvèdre.”
La Pèira Location and Quarternary Allvium in the Hérault
In a region where excellent wines are made from a blend of different grape varieties grown significant distances from each other on differing sites with various aspects and soils, La Pèira cuvée is unusual. Why? All the grapes are on grown on plots meters away from each other (on the Bois de Pauliau) and vinified meters away again. As Jancis reports:
“The grand vin is generally made up of about 70% Syrah and 30% Grenache grown, unusually for the region, side by side on the same soils, deep gravelly quaternary alluvium. Co-owner Rob Dougan describes these deposits as ‘set down here over the same period, and in the same way as those in the Médoc, Graves, St-Émilion or Pomerol but just on a different side of the Massif Central. Instead of the Gironde you have the Hérault river…”
The full article is here, and an excerpt follows:
Written by
La Pèira vertical and other Languedoc treasures
La Peira 2012
An analysis of which of our many articles is most popular reveals that you seem particularly interested in the Languedoc. I’m thrilled by this as I sincerely believe that the best wines of the Languedoc represent some of France’s best value: great hand-crafted, terroir-influenced wine, generally without the price tags associated with the most famous (I nearly wrote ‘best’) wines of Bordeaux, Burgundy and the Rhône.
La Pèiraaisèla 2012 Terrasses du Larzac
Mid ruby. Very different from the previous vintages – and I suspect not just because it is younger. Broader and more floral and transparent somehow. A real joker with none of the intensity of the previous vintages but with lots of sinewy appeal. Cool and fresh and with lots of freshness. To be drunk sooner than some? 14.5% Drink 2016-2022 17
La Pèira 2011 Terrasses du Larzac
Crimson and not that dense. Mid crimson. Treacle notes with herbs and spices. Dry finish. Still neat and racy. Transparent. Lively. Overall there is the trademark combination of minerals and sweetness. Sweetness dominates at the moment. Then a bit chewy on the end. 14.5% Drink 2017-2030 17
La Pèira 2010 Terrasses du Larzac
Very dark indeed. Complex, well-balanced nose. Still very youthful but with most impressive raw ingredients. Lots of both tannin and acidity. Young but hugely promising. Not too hot but very nuanced with a dry, terroir-driven finish. Neat, reminds me of a particularly good Douro red table wine. 14.5% Drink 2017-2030 18
La Pèira 2009 Terrasses du Larzac
A warm year. Pruney colour. Scented and charming. More obviously sweet and pruney than the earlier vintages. Not as refreshing as some. A bit drying on the end. Very sweet overall. A dramatic wine but less my style than some others. Quite chunky tannins. Heat on the finish. 14.5% Drink 2017-2025 17
La Pèira 2008 Terrasses du Larzac
A cool year. Dark brownish crimson. Scented and expressive. Quite marked acidity but lovely texture and fluidity. Still with tannins lightly in evidence on the finish. Dry, as opposed to sweet, overall. Lots of minerals and interest here – all nicely showcased. 14.5% Drink 2015-2023 17
La Pèira 2007 Terrasses du Larzac
Dark purplish crimson. Particularly intense nose – so intense that it needs a great deal of coaxing out of the glass. Very intense, almost mentholated nose. Still introvert. Masses of tannin and fruit density but at the moment not much expression. Thick and embryonic with a bit of heat on the finish. 14.5% Drink 2015-2025 17+
La Pèira 2006 Terrasses du Larzac
Healthy crimson. A cooler year maybe but a much more refined wine than the very slightly rustic 2005. Polished with a wonderfully sumptuous texture and delightful freshness on the finish after a richly dark-fruited start. There’s something black about this wine: tar? liquorice? But overall it has great presence on the palate. Neat finish. 14.5% Drink 2010-2022 17.5
La Pèira 2005 Terrasses du Larzac
Hot year. Very concentrated ruby right out to the rim. Warm and savoury on the nose. Really dense and satisfying, even if far from subtle. Quite a charge of tannins still – quite 2005 (as in Bordeaux)! Sweet and with a lightly burnt note. A wine to make an impact, and one that does slightly remind me of Trevallon. Sweet blackberry fruit on the finish and a certain graininess. As though the grape skins were pretty thick. 14.5% Drink 2010-2020 16.5
MAS DE DAUMAS GASSAC
Mas de Daumas Gassac 2012 IGP St-Guilhem-le-Désert
Viognier, Chardonnay, an unspecified Manseng and Chenin Blanc. Honeyed Viognier elbows its way to the front on the nose but there is admirable tang (thanks to the Manseng?) and acidity (Chenin?). Complex and saved from being fat. Already fun to drink but it tastes as though it will become more interesting. Still a bit tense on the finish. 13.5 Drink 2013-2017 16.5
Mas de Daumas Gassac 2011 IGP St-Guilhem-le-Désert
80% Cabernet Sauvignon. Still very youthful nose (to be fair, the back label suggests three to five years old for drinking young but up to 25 years for drinking it ‘en majesté‘. Dark crimson with more than a suggestion of warm earth underlying the Cabernet structure. Interesting wine with real depth but no excess of sweetness nor alcohol. Halfway between claret and La Pèira? It would be a waste to drink something so embryonic now but it certainly seems to have potential. Just a bit inky on the finish at the moment. 13.5% Drink 2016-2028 16.5+
Mas de Daumas Gassac 2000 Vin de Pays de l’Hérault
I had to guess at the alcohol since there was a mark over the relevant figure on the label. 80% Cabernet Sauvignon and the rest is a big mix. Pale evolved ruby. Tasted immediately after two rather smart 2000 St-Emilions, this by no means disgraced itself and arguably had more complexity and grunt. Lovely sweetness on the finish but really appetising savoury fruit beforehand. Good freshness too. Some floral notes on the nose and a little dusty soil taste on the palate. Good wine! 13% Drink 2009-2013 18