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