Saturday, September 16, 2006

1 x 12 bottles 0.75l.
144.00 CHF inc VAT

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Château Pesquié Les Terrasses 2004
Vintage: 2004
Colour: Red
Origin: France - Rhône Valley - Southern Rhône - Côtes du Ventoux
Alc % by Vol: 14%



Jean-Michel Deluc:
Robert Parker: 90/100








Our opinion
Absolutely superb! A Côtes-du-Ventoux that puts to shame many of the more exalted names of the Rhone Valley. We were impressed by its modernity, which translates into a wine that's sappy, smooth, forthright, combining strength and elegance, opulence and freshness. Those responsible for its vinification have discovered the key to the future of global winemaking: Wines that respect the nature of the varietals and terroir, have seductiveness of substance, understated structure and are delightfully luscious. Who can ask for more!

Description
In 1985, Paul and Edith Chaudière, physiotherapist and speech therapist from Avignon, decided to take a step back and rethink their professional lives, in the hope of returning back to the family tradition of wine making. They decided to realise their dream and took up the family vineyard at Château Pesquié, which used to belong to the illustrious Daudet family from Provence. The first few steps came as quite a challenge for the family who, not having much experience in the field of wine making, then found themselves trying to compete in this little known appellation where almost no independent vinegrowers were left, after the appellation had become dominated by co-operative wineries. Over four years, they painstakingly reconstructed and developed the vineyard, in the hope of bringing it back to its former glory. They ripped out the table-grapes and cherry trees, favouring old vines, and planted Syrah and Grenache varieties. In 1989, after an incredible journey of new experiences, acheivements and some important lessons learnt, the Chaudière and Bastide families decided to create the wine cellar at Château Pesquié. Over the last 15 years, the adventure has continued, with the continued expansion of both the wine cellar and domain at Château Pesquié, resulting in a coveted position as one of the best domains in the appellation. The Chaudière family chose the name "Quintessence" to emphasize the notion of exceptional wines of outstanding quality. Quintessence from Château Pesquié is a blend of 80% Syrah and 20% Grenache, matured for 12 months in oak barrels (60% new wood, 40% old wood). It is a meaty, ample and spicy wine that displays great power and complexity. It is the result of a double selection process from the oldest vines at the vineyard and the very best cuvées from the Domain.

Tips on service
• Conservation: drinking now
• At its best in: 2008
• To decant: 1 hour
• Serve at 16°

Food and wine matching
Breast of duck with figs, ‘pot au feu' of duck, cold cuts of game meat, beef with pepper sauce, lamb with confit of tomatoes, grilled veal kidneys, creamy and aged cheeses such as Brillat Savarin.

Tasting notes
By Jean Michel Deluc : Master Sommelier
Eye - A wine of a ruby color of good intensity. The glints are violet but the fade displays a softer tone. The wine has just begun its development. It is bright, opaque due to its density and displays wonderful concentration of texture in the glass. A nicely attractive and shimmering appearance.
Nose - The nose reveals a very aromatic fruity background, with the Grenache dominant in the assemblage. The wine offers ripe aromas of blackcurrants, black cherries, blueberries and blackberries. The background is initially ripe but takes on greater freshness with aeration. Notes of licorice, mint and pepper come to the fore. The wine is rich and could almost be called opulent, but overall it exudes notable finesse and elegance. With aeration delicate notes of red flower blossoms surface. On the evidence of the nose, we are ready to succumb to its power and its charm and the intricacy of the mineral notes.
Palate - On the palate the straightforward attack is round, smooth and velvety, with fruity flavours totally dominant. The opulence of the substance is balanced by the freshness and finesse of the structure. The feel of the wine in the mouth is a sheer delight, a nearly voluptuous pleasure. The notes of barrel aging, although subdued, mark the wine at the finish on the palate, with flavours of licorice and pepper.

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