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AOC Blanquette de Limoux
2001
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AOC Crémant de Limoux
'Blanc de Blancs
2007
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Vintage Rose
2007
2008
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2010
AOC LIMOUX Cuvée de l'Odyssée
Chardonnay
2002
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2008
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2010
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2014
AOC LIMOUX Dédicace
Chenin Blanc
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
AOC LIMOUX Cuvée Occitania
Mauzac
2002
2003
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
AOC LIMOUX Le Limoux
Chardonnay-Chenin Blanc - Mauzac blend
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
AOC LIMOUX La Trilogie
Master Blend of selected barrels
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2012
2013
Chardonnay du Domaine
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
Vendange d'Automne 2002 'Jan'
Vendange d'Hiver 2004 'Xaxa'
Lagremas d'Aur 2006
Late Harvest Chenin Blanc/Mauzac
Lagremas d'Aur 2012
Late Harvest Chenin Blanc (noble rot)
SAUVAGEON (Sauvignon Blanc)
2008
2009
2010
Chardonnay du Domaine élévé en fut
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2001
Steven Spurrier, DECANTER MAGAZINE July 2005:
"Soft, appley nose, quite broad fruit with a lift of summery, floral acidity, this is a lovely champagne substitute."
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2003:
"Toast, lemon peel aromas. Green apple,
unripe banana flavours on a light-medium body, medium acid palate. Toasty, moderately long finish."
GUIDE HACHETTE 2005:
«Une belle robe jaune pâle habille cette blanquette au nez complèxe ou se mèlent la senteur florale typique du mauzac et une touche d'agrumes. En bouche, équilibre et longueur se conjuguent
agréablement.»
Fine pale gold robe. The nose is complex, combining the floral aromas typical of mauzac with a touch of citrus. In the mouth, balance and length meet agreeably.
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2002
PERSWIJN October 2004:
"Bloemen, open, rokerig, aangename smaak, mooi bitter, wat perzik, jeugdig en fris, lekker glas" (4 sterren)
Flowers, open, smoky, pleasing taste, nice bite, peachy, youthful and fresh, a great glass . (Four stars)
L'ECHO February 2005 Pierre Carbonnier:
La Robe jaune paille brillante aux reflets de laiton. Les bulles, fines, promettent des grâces gustatives que l'olfaction confirme: fleurs blanches (genêt, acacia), citron vert
La Bouche légère et équilibrée, joue une agreste patition: pommes doucement compotées, minéralité discrète apportée par les moraines de glacier. L'ensemble est plaisant, net et désaltérant. Tout ce que l'on attend de bulles limouxines qui ne déguisent pas leur amabilité.
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2003
PERSWIJN November 2006:
"Pear and peach, appealing white fruits, smoky, a touch of bitter, nice and dry" (Four stars)
Peer en perzik, aangenaam wit fruit, rokerigheid goede bitters, mooi droog. 4 sterren.
UK SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS 2008:
Good balance and weight, with clean citrus fruit and a zingy acidity.
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2005
GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2009:
Une Blanquette quasi exclusivement issue de mauzac (90%) dont le nez fin et intense de fleurs blanches s'enrichit d'une touche vanillée. Sa chair est souple et vive, d'une texture agréable et d'une grande élégance
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2006
1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM:
On aime ces arômes de mie de pain et de marc de raisin. La bulle fine anime cette Blanquette onctueuse, croquante, aérienne, désaltérante. On deviendrait vite «addict» de ce goût d’amande. A savourer calmement devant un match…de rugby. Très grand vin; coup de coeur.
Conservation : A boire dans les 6 ans
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2010:
Jolie robe or clair. Nez fruité friand (pomme, poire). En bouche un équilibre plaisant, une vivacité équilibrée par une belle richesse. L’ensemble est harmonieux, fruité et plutôt persistant. Une véritable expression d’un terroir et d’un savoir-faire. (86)
Lovely clear gold colour. Delectable fruity nose (apple, pear). Good balance in the mouth, vivacity balanced by beautiful richness. The whole is harmonious, fruity and persistent. A true expression of ‘terroir’ and know-how.
LE GRAND GUIDE DES VINS VINS DE FRANCE 2010: by Bettane & Desseauve
La bulle est dynamique, précise avec une finale nette, légèrement enveloppante.
WINE SPECTATOR (Best Buy): by Lauren Buzzeo
Round and full with heady aromas of buttery toast and butterscotch, among fruity nuances of red apple skins and tangerine supremes"
GUIDE HUBERT Pierre Casamayor
Bulle fine, avec des arômes de pomme verte, mie de pain, notes grillées. La bouche est équilibrée, aromatique, avec une bonne fraîcheur équilibrée
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2007
GUIDE DES VINS A PETITS PRIX 2010: by Gerbelle & Maurange
Bon fruit avec un soupçon de lourdure apporté par le sucre en finale. Bouche assez moelleuse et à la bulle fine en attaque. Agréable a boire pour son fruit.
JANCIS ROBINSON
Light, fresh nose with real bite and length. Well done - very refreshing. This could be very useful if not too expensive 16.5 Drink 2009-10
(tanners-wines.co.uk, £13.70; greatwesternwine.co.uk, £13.50)
Lively fizz here, plenty of big bouncy bubbles and a crunch of apple, with some toasty, yeasty depths. Could take on cheese, pastry or pâté canapés.
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2008
GAMBERO ROSSO by Giuseppi Carrus (April 2010)
“..di colore giallo verdolino, mentre al naso èdominato da note di mela verde, sensazioni agrumate e nuace di erbe aromatiche. Al palato è freschissimo, le bollicine son carezzevoli e la mineralità contraddistingue la beva. "
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Smells like spring. White blossom and crisp apple. Delicate, fine and so delightful. Cotton. Cool as a sunlit breeze. Utterly refreshing. (TC)
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011
"Belle fraîchure de bulle"
LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2011
"Obtient une étoile pour sa légèreté et sa fraîcheur aromatique."
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
"La pomme, le coing et la frangipane impriment le nez. En bouche, la bulle conserve un caractère onctueux et nappant, sans perdre pourtant en droiture et en ciselé."
THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
90% Mauzac, plus Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. For a relatively low dosage (4 or 5 g/l) and recently-disgorged Blanquette, this fooled me into thinking it had some decent bottle age. Then again, it is kept for a minimum of 15 months on its lees, making for a toasty, rich, slightly yeasty wine, but full of rich, apple fruit and real mineral depth. Another really cracking sparkler.
WIJNPLEIN NL by Jan Rook
Frisse tonen van appel in de neus, beschaafde mousse en zuivere smaak.
WIJNKOOP GIDS 2011 Frank van der Auwera
Zonning mediumgeel met correcte belletjesbeek, schitterend en behoorlijk olieachting. Rijp gestructureerde geuren van perzik, abrikoos, Coxappel en nougat. Romig en pittig daarna, met massa's witte perzik, witte abrikoos, nectarine plus peer, maar ook een perfect fris mondgevoel en behoorlijk vette body.
DECANTER MAGAZINE (February 2011)
Distinctive appley nose. Crisp, dry and refreshing (***)
ANDREWJEFFORD.COM
By Andrew Jefford (February 2011)
This Blanquette brings Mauzac into sparkling concordance with Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Dry straw and grass as well as the apple and celery notes, with a prickly, crunchy, bright flavour. The 90% Mauzac unquestionably dominates: lots of that prim acidity, with apple, green plum and stone flavours, and a kind of wheat-beer complexity to it which makes this sparkler very different from the Chardonnay-led Crémants from hereabouts. Refreshing, quaffable – and unique.
THE SUNDAY TIMES May 8 2011
Light, fragrant, sunny - ideal for weddings.
WINE ENTHUSIAST 'BUYING GUIDE'
Full of bright crisp red apple and melon core. The texture is creamy with fine bubbles and medium acidity, and the palate is loaded with satisfying sweet citrus rind and toasty broiche flavours.
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
The appellation regulations dictate a minimum of 90% Mauzac, and here it is blended with 10% Chenin Blanc. You may also use Chardonnay, but not Pinot Noir. The dosage is 4 gm/l – and Caryl admitted that they were tempted by a zero dosage.
Quite a rounded nose, with light herbal notes. Quite crisp acidity; light and elegant. It is deliciously and fresh, and eminently drinkable, as I know, all too well!
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2009
Fine, elegant and classy fizz from Jan and Caryl Panman's excellent domaine in the hills above Cépie. Positively brims with Bramley apple notes from the Mauzac grape supported by a creamy, toasty background that would rival many Champagnes.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2012
Robe or clair. Nez expressif, aux accents floraux et fruités (chair de poire, pêche blanche...). Bouche tendre, d'une agréable fraîcheur acidulée. Les parfums sont nets et friands. Une blanquette très harmonieuse. (Médaille d'Or)
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BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2010
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH July 29 2012 by Susy Atkins
Lively fizz here, plenty of big bouncy bubbles and a crunch of apple, with some toasty, yeasty depths. Could take on cheese, pastry or pâté canapés.
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2013
Subtile au nez comme en bouche, de jolie robe brillante, tout en complexité d'aromes, d'une belle harmonie
ABSOLUTELY CRACKING FRENCH WINES Chosen by Peter McCombie MW
Quite explosive and a tad frothy but an excellent varietal example of Mauzac. Slightly chewy end. GV
LEON STOLARSKI
Mostly Mauzac, with a small amount of Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. A fruity, grapey nose, with hints of sweet apples and oranges. The palate is clean and super-fresh, very slightly off-dry, with bags of fruit. Love it.
PROEFSCHRIFT March-April 2013
Fris, aromatisch, appel, aanzet eveneens appelig en fris, ruime moes, middenstuk levendig en goed gefuld met fruit, ferme afdronk.
GUIDE GILBERT & GAILLARD 2014 (Gold Medal)
Robe or pale. Nez intense, aux accents de fruits blancs, d'herbe coupée. Bouche souple, nette sur le fruit, le tout porté par la fraichure. Une bonne blanquette d'apéritif.
ECLAIRCISSAGE Singapore Wine Blog by Chek
Pale lemon, with apple cider, light grassy aromas and a hint of lemon sherbet. Shows delicate alcohol and a light body. Refreshing and persistent. Very good value.
WINE XIN - THE BLABBER Singapore Wine Blogger
Blanquette de Limoux is the unique sparkling of Languedoc. Made using the traditional method from 90% mauzac along with a mixture of chenin blanc and chardonnay, this was a good sparkling that can hold its own stage. Initial nose was restraint and neutral, but gradually open up with hints of apples. Bright tingling sensation on the palate before ending with a persistent long finish
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2014 (GUIDE VERT) La Revue du Vin de France
Tout en nuances, avec une bulle délicate et de fins amers
BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2011
GUIDE DUSSSERT GERBER DES VINS 2014
Subtile au nez comme en bouche, de jolie robe brillante, tout en complexité d'aromes, d'une belle harmonie. Un vin régulierement réussi
JANCIS ROBINSON, PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
Strong local aromas of apple skins, so much acidity that the sweetness hardly has a chance to make itself felt. Lightly fizzy and far from Champagne, which is fine. Well made. Seems to me as though they conquered the challenges of 2011.
GUIDE REVEL 2014 Guénäel Revel
Nez expressif de fruits blancs tres murs, voire cuits, avec une touche patissière, prèsque buerrée à l'aération. Alors qu'on s'attend après l'analyse olfactive à déguster un vin aromatique et plein, on découvre un comportement très sec en bouche, une vinosité assez ferme que l'effervescence crémeuse n'arrive pas à enrayer. La texture est soignée et dense, les arômes filent vers la torréfaction après plusieurs minutes dans le verre: c'est une blanquette qui désoriente, car elle bouge continuellement. L'apéritif avec des huîtres devrait la brider!
de Telegraaf Pieter Nijdam, Ronald de Groot (December 21 2013)
Bijzondere bubbel op basis van de locale mauzac druif; peer, mild en sappig, rijp met bitters en zuren; weelderig, veel levendigheid".
Rosemary George MW Taste Languedoc.blogspot.co.uk
Quite a rich yeasty rounded nose. Ripe rounded palate with some honey. Quite rich and nicely mouth filling.
Angela Mount MW The Bath Magazine Wine Column
Cool, crisply fresh and utterly delicious, this is a fabulous sparkling wine from Limoux, close to the Medieval city of Carcassonne. Bright and breezy, it has the bright tang of green apples and a hint of ripe pear with a rich toasty creamy finish. With more character and depth than a prosecco or cava, and better value than champagne at this price, it's a safe bet for summer bubbly.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2015
Cette Blanquette possede de la franchise et du gout
GUIDE DES VINS BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2015
Robe pâle, nez un peu fermé, cette blanquette aromatique, sur la fraîcheur, peut accompagner parfaitement des plats crémés. Note: 14.0
Apogée: de 2014 à 2015
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BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2012
WINE SPECTATOR (84 pts)
Firm and frothy, with a smoky undertow and fruit-forward notes of ripe apple, guava, lemon zest and slivered almond. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. –AN
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES SEPTEMBER 2015 (16.5 pts)
100% Mauzac in this vintage and zero dosage.
An inviting and very slight hint of smoky reduction (which disappears in the glass) but mostly the lovely fresh apple, pear and citrus of Mauzac. Dry, bright and zesty. Fine mousse, delicate, elegant and beautifully fresh. Not especially complex but finely persistent and subtle. (JH)
PERSWIJN KOOPGIDS Winter 2015 (Ervolle vermeldingen Mousserend t/m 17.50
Peer en appel, vleugje abrikoos en honing, krachtig, elegant, weelderig, goede mousse, hint van zoet.
FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN WINE.COM Richard Mark James
Tighter steelier style, delicate, crisp finish with light salty biscuit flavours, tastes young still.
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BLANQUETTE DE LIMOUX 2013
JAMIE GOODE'S GUIDE TO THE BEST FIZZ Sunday Express, April 3, 2016
It has bold fruit with pear and white plums as well as some subtle fennel notes. There's great depth of flavour in this sophisticated fizz.
THE SCOTSMAN Food & Wine by Brian Elliott June 2016
Impressive. Apple and quince.
Pungent nose. Very tight bead. Fine in texture and just a whiff of Chenin. Quite delicate, more than a nod to the Loire . 16 Drink 2009
GUIDE DES VINS GAILLARD & GILBERT 2011
Robe jaune clair. Nez net mêlant fleurs blanches, chair de poire, note de pain au lait. Attaque
charnue, sur le fruit, l'évolution apporte de la fraîcheur et termine sur une note de vivacité. A
déguster bien frais à l'apéritif. 86/100
Light yellow colour. Nose blends white flowers with pear, notes of milk bread. Fleshy fruit driven attack. Mid palate freshness leads to lively notes in the finish. Serve well chilled, as an apéritif.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Apple-cream rich nose. Long and with real depth. Thrilling acidity and life and a fine mousse. Apple-brioche notes. Absolutely delightful. Who needs champagne?
MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011
Belle fraîchure de bulle ... fin et nerveux
GUIDE HACHETTE 2011
Ce cremant aux parfums de fruits à chair jaune nuancés de touches florales séduit par son attaque franche et sa bouche marquée par la vivacité
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
A blend of 60% Chardonnay, with 40% Chenin Blanc. In theory there ought to be 10% Mauzac as well. The wine has spent at least eighteen months, if not 24 months on the lees. It is ripe and rounded, with some attractive fruit and a creamy finish. An elegant, creamy mouthful.
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Chardonnay and Chenin Blanc. Lemon and apple flavours. Lovely acidity, yet very rounded and mouth-filling, with a persistent mousse. Pure and moreish, with good length. Only really beginning to get into its stride
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
est savoureux, net et mur.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2013
Attractive apple freshness, very decent glass of fizz
LE MONDE "M" July 6 2013
Avec un caractere minéral tres pierre à fusil au nez et en bouche la longueur se dévoile fine at expressive. On y retrouve cette gamme aromatique. Les bulles sont fines.
ECLAIRCISSAGE Singapore Wine Blogger Chek
Citrus and honeydew fruit with hints of Mediterranean herbs. Shows some weight and presence on the palate.
WINE XIN - THE BLABBER Singapore Wine Blogger
A modernised expression of Languedoc sparkling, this comes under the appellation of Crémant de Limoux using a blend of chenin blanc and chardonnay. Unlike the Blancquette, this was significantly full and juicy. The initial attack focused on fresh acidity, but it didn’t took long before a rounded sensation took over, showing the increased mid palate fullness
PERSWIJN Dec 2013:
Licht getoast, peeer en appel, zacht en vol, niet beendroog, fijne moes, lekker. ****(*)
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2014 (GUIDE VERT) La Revue du Vin de France
Un beau crémant au volume frais et savoureux
GUIDE DUSSERT GERBER DES VINS 2014
est finement bouqueté (abricot, rose), fin de bouche franche et savoureuse, parfumée (fruits frais), de mousse intense
JANCIS ROBINSON, PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
Pale straw and bright fresh acidity. Just a hint of honey on the finish. but overall very nice texture. Gentle constant bead, and the impression overall is of an appetising, if far from bone dry, wine and crystalline acidity.
GUIDE REVEL CHAMPAGNE ET AUTRES BULLES 2014
D'abord fermentaire, le nez s'exprime rapidement sur des aromes de biscuits secs et de fruits blancs acidulés. L'attaque en bouche est ferme, minérale, croquante, elle précède une tension en belle harmonie avec l'effervescence soignée qu'illustrent des bulles très fines et nouées. La finale dévoile quelques amers qui apportent du corps au lieu de contrarier la dégustation, on est en présence d'un crémant plus autoritaire que charmeur, d'une belle personnalité toutefois.
Elegantly creamy on both nose and palate. Just as I would expect it to be.
Rosemary George MW Taste Languedoc Blogspot
Elegantly creamy on both nose and palate. Just as I would expect it to be.
Le Monde Weekend (July 2014)
"Un joli crémant frais et savoureux à boire à l'aperitif"
Le Guide des Vins 2015 Dussert-Gerber
Trés agréable, avec des connotations de fleurs et de pomme, de mousse fine et fruitée, et d'une bonne ampleur au palais.
Jancis Robinson MW Purple Pages September 2014
The sweetness almost reminds me of a sparkling Loire chenin.
Vivacious and well made with persistent bead and well-sculpted fruit, but just a tad too sweet for my taste - but it should please many palates. 16
Burhound, Allen Meadows October 2014
Yeasty nose that displays hints of green apple and pear. I like the intensity of the mousse supporting the delineated flavors, though there is a hint of bitterness present on the agreeably dry finish. 86 pts
Wine Spectator
Firm and leesy, this open-knit sparkler offers hints of baked apple, praline and lemon yogurt, with an earthy finish of modest length. Drink now. 400 cases made. –AN 83 pts
Vintage Rose 2007
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Has a rose-petal/nasturtium nose and palate. Pretty delicate. Dry and elegant. Pink Lady apples
VINUM Magazine, Germany (May 2010)
Angenehm fruchtig und erfrischend, sueffig, ideale Sommergetraenk.
MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011
Belle fraîchure de bulle ... friand et finement épicé
GUIDE DES VINS 2011 Patrick Dussert-Gerber
Bien apprécié de Crémant finement bouqueté (abricot, rose), fin, de bouche subtile, persistante et très parfumée (fruits frais), de mousse intense
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
" Ce rosé constitue une vraie invitation au plaisir olfactif, sur des touches de thé fumé et de confiture de framboise. La bulle écalte au palais avec une matère diffuse et consistante. A essayer sur une fine escalope de foie gras à la gelé de framboise."
THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
Made from Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir, this is a really expressive sparkling wine, with aromas and flavours of strawberry and raspberry and a hint of sweet apple. The palate is wonderfully rich and dense, deeply fruity and spicy, soft and very approachable. A lovely wine.
HARPERS MAGAZINE December 2010
A glassful of fruit salad and vanilla aromas, with an upbeat soft-fruited palate. Good acidity.
WIJNKOOPGIDS 2011 Frank van der Auwera
Alles start met een fraai roze, lila-glanzende kleurspiegel, een gespierde moussekraag die lang intact blijft en microbelletjes die zenuwachtig en continu opstronmen. Heerlijk geparfumeerd daarna, met impressies van aardbeien vers uit de grond, met albes, heel fruitzot en zuiver. Ook fruitiggedreven moussegevoel in de mond, romig zelfs, met een haart vann rood pitfruit (kersen, aalbes) citrusfris onderbouwd plus met een minerale afdronk.
Vintage Rose 2008
WINE ENTHUSIAST BUYING GUIDE MAY 2011
A perfect match for tomato-cream sauce dishes or insalata Caprese. Delicate toast adds depth to the dainty strawberry and apple notes with a touch of sweet spice unfolding on the finish.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE Silver medal
Lovely red fruits. Extremely fresh and zesty. Touch of herbal spice. Clean with super vibrancy and complexity. Hint of biscuits. Impressive length.
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
Essentially two thirds Chardonnay to one third Chenin Blanc, with 5% Pinot Noir. A very pretty pink, with dry herbal fruit. Delicate and powerful at the same time. You sense the presence of the Pinot Noir, which gives structure and fruit, but the overall effect is delicate and ethereal like the mountain air. Beautifully balanced.
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
This is basically the same as above (Blanc de Blancs), but with the addition of 5% Pinot Noir. And that 5% makes all the difference, with some lovely redcurrant and floral/honeysuckle aromas and flavours. Again, rich and rounded, with real mineral depth. Another one which will be even better with further bottle age.
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012 and 2013
d'une belle robe rose clair, de bouche pleine, aux arômes fruités de pêche blanche.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
S'exprime sur les fruits rouges, assez tendre, mais sans aucune sucrosité, sérieux, expressif, idéal à l'aperitif.
L'AMATEUR DES VINS ET SPIRITUEUX Dec. 2011
Ce vintage brut 2008 a une jolie robe rosée. Nez gorgé de fruits rouges frais et bouche voluptueuse, pleine de saveurs et de caractere
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2012
Robe rouge orangé. Nez très mûr, aux accents confiturés (orange, fraise...). La bouche reprend cette maturité aromatique, matière ample, de la puissance. Un style assez vineux, pour amateur.
(Médaille d'Or)
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES November 2012:
Ch Rives-Blanques, Vintage Rosé 2009 Crémant de Limoux 16.5 Drink 2012-2013
Lovely pretty pink with fine bead. Full of Pinot fruit and beautifully balanced. Not bone dry and far from tart but clean as a whistle. Very satisfying and refreshing and satisfying as a familiar feather pillow. 12.5%
ANGELA MOUNT MW My rain- induced low mood lifted in a second when I tried this wine; it simply lifts the spirits, with its ethereal elegance and delightful vivacity. Let’s start with the colour – no vivid pink hues, here, more of a delicate blush, where the red grapes have gently tinted the wine to give a pretty salmon pink colour; watch the gentle bubbles, and smell the delicate aromas of rosehips and strawberries. This is such an enchanting, beguiling, dry Rose, it almost whispers its charms to you, and it’s the very delicacy, and freshness of this gentle sparkling wine that captures the taste buds. Yet it is vibrantly full of fresh red fruit flavours, with a peachy edge – summertime in a glass!
If you love dry, elegant sparkling Rose, then this has to be one of the best value and most entrancing wines around. Look no further for your early evening aperitif, or summer picnic fizz; but it would also be perfection with freshly grilled prawns, canapés, and a lively strawberry and watermelon salad.
GOURMAND MAGAZINE , August 2012:
Aérien. Non loin de Carcassonne, au pays des vins blancs, une rareté que ce crémant né d'un assemblange de chardonnay, chenin blanc et pinot noir. Ce cernier lui donne sa jolie robe rose pale et sa légere vinosité. Le nez est fin, la bouche souple, l'ensemble est bien sec et equilibré. Il passe sans souci de l'aperitif a la table.
GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT GERBER 2013
Finement bouqueté (abricot, rose), fin, bouche subtile, persistante et tres parfumée (fruits frais), de mousse intense
JANCIS ROBINSON (Twitter August 3 2012)
Very delicious in a soft cushiony way. Whistle clean. Great value.
REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (November 2012)
Un Crémant de Limoux
qui a assemblé chardonnay, pinot noir et chenin. Des aromes puissants de fraise, une matiere franche. Flatteur pour la sensation charnue, mais tendu pour le caractere. 14.5
LEON STOLARSKI
Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Pinot Noir. A riot of red cherry, raspberry and strawberry aromas. Rich, ripe and opulent, again with just the merest hint of residual sugar. Long, mellow and lovely.
DRINKS HOTELS James Lawther MW
Salmon pink. Very fine bead. Toasty, red fruit nose, the Pinot Noir element manifest. Palate full flavoured. Rich on attack but clean and dry on the finish. Food friendly. Satisfying.
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
Quite a strong and confident colour here, with a dark salmon-pink hue, with peachy-golden tinges at the rim. The nose is open and rich, with plump red fruits with a an obvious biscuity edge. It has the feel of a wine that is ready to please. And there is a fine and widespread bead, the surface of the wine a little sea of bubbles. In keeping with the character on the nose the palate is broad, open and fruit rich, with lots of appealing flavour and a fleshy texture underneath it all. A full mousse, and good acidity. Overall a real delight, accessible and easy to enjoy, with just an attractive note of bitterness in the end to offset that fleshy approachability. Good. 15.5/20 (December 2012)
LE MONDE 'M' Juillet 6, 2013
L'age va si bien à ce crémant rose! Sa fine evolution approte de la chair et une complexité originale au nez et en bouche. On trouve, dans les aromes des nuances d'écorces d'agrumes et une touche de miel et de noix. Fin, long et savoureux en finale. Parfait à boire dans l'année
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2014 (GUIDE VERT) La Revue du Vin de France
PERSWIJN Dec 2013
heel gerijpt, snoepig, zoetje, aardbei, fijne zuren.
GUIDE DUSSERT GERBER DES VINS 2014
de belle teinte, tout en finesse, aux notes de rose et de mure, de mousse crémeuse, à prvoir sur une tarte aux fruits. Pas d'hésitation à avoir.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
Really successful dry fizz. Pale salmon pink, Chardonnay tinted by 5% pinot noir. Quite long with lovely balance and texture.
GUIDE DUSSERT GERBER DES VINS 2016
Bien en bouche, de mousse onctueuse et tres fine, développe des notes discretes de fraise des bois.
CUVÉE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2002 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
Retasted in 2016 by JancisRobinson.com 17 pts (TC)
Pale gold. Creamy. Bit of brulée/patisserie and lemony waxed
notes that remind me a bit of an older Riesling. Honeyed lemon on the palate with piercing acidity that lasts and vibrates across the tongue like a violin string. Hint of wild herbs, honey and sage, and wild medow. Very exciting to see how these wines age, and how much complexity builds with age. Still so fresh. Mouth-filling and thrilling and so hard to spit. I had to edit a lot of exclamation marks out of my original tasting notes (Tamlyn Currin).
Yellow with golden glints, this Limoux charms the senses. First, for its successful mix of rich fruit with a touch of wood: jammy peaches combine happily with balsamic, smoky notes. And secondly, for its round, velvety mouth underlined by flavours of coconut and liquorish.
CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES 2004: «Cette cuvée remarkable exprime des notes de violettes, de réglisse et de vanilla. La bouche est très onctieuse et offre une finale intense.» This remarkable cuvée expresses notes of violet, liquorish and vanilla. The mouth is very full and smooth, giving an intense finish.
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CUVÉE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2003 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS A PETITS PRIX 2006:
Un beau volume de bouche, du gras, porté par des notes acidulées et une finale droite, étirée par de bons amers qui s'éstomperont d'ici à 2007. Du potentiel et du caractère. (9/10)
Fat and full in the mouth, carried by good acidity with a straight finish, a touch of bitter which will carry it until 2006. A wine of great character (9/10)
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION 2005 Judges' Tasting Notes:
Medium straw with a watery rim. Quite an intense ripe nose, grainy pears, marzipan and sponge cake. The palate is medium to full bodied with a rich fat texture mid palate, but which finishes clean and fresh. An excellent food wine.
1000 VINS DU MONDE 2006 Oenologues de France:
Après une fermentation en barriques, ce vin de chardonnay a séjourné durant huit mois sous bois, bâtonné deux fois par semaine. Vêtu d'une robe jaune pâle, il propose un nez harmonieux et intensee de fruits mûrs, nuancé d'un boisé vanillé. La bouche est souple et équilibrée. A déguster avec un sauté de veau aux olives.
This chardonnay was fermented and aged (8 months) in oak barrels, with twice-weekly batonnage. It has a light yellow robe, with a harmonious and intense nose of ripe fruits accented by notes of vanilla. The palate is supple and balanced. It goes well with a sauté of veal with olives.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2007
Beautiful luminous light yellow robe. A deep nose mixing fruity notes, lightly toasted touches of vanilla. The mouth is seductively round, full and deep. A happy meeting of strength and length. For those who like the international style.
Robe d'un beau jaune clair, lumineux. Nez profond, mêlant notes fruitées, touches vanillées légèrent toastés. La bouche séduit par son ampleur, son gras, son fondu. Puissance et longueur sont au rendez vous. Pour amateur au style international.
CUVÉE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2004 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
GUIDE GILBERT & GAILLARD 2008:
Robe jaune clair lumineuse. Nez explosif mêlant notes florales, notes exotiques, note de noisette. La bouche est charnue, fraîche, parfumée. Un chardonnay su le fruit, très gai pour apéritif ou salade composée
LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2008:
"This Cuvée takes you right to the heart of a vast universe of olfactory sensations, amongst which, some mineral notes, some nuances of citrus and of exotic fruits. The mouth is just as interesting and complex. This bottle would like a duck with figs, a chicken with crayfish, or a simple trout."
Cette Cuvée de l'Odyssée fait voyager au sein d'un vaste univers oflactif parmi des notes minérales, des nuances d'agrumes et de fruits exotiques. La bouche est aussi complexe et intéressante. Cette bouteille aimera un canard auc figues, un poulet aux écrisses ou tout simplement une truite de mer.
LE GUIDE HUBERT Pierre Casamayor:
Un nez vanillé, sur des notes de tisane, de fruits jaunes un peu blettis. La bouche est aromatique, ronde, avec une finale suave.
LE POINT 'SPÉCIAL VINS' Olivier Bompas:
Nez exotique, mangue, fruits jaunes, gras, savoureux, superbe fruit, minéral, long et racé
Exotic nose, mango and yellow fruits, round, tasty, superb fruits, mineral, long, a real thoroughbred
JANCIS ROBINSON
Very sweet! Eat your heart out, California . Because this has good natural acidity as well - nevertheless, it's a bit strange to be tasting such a dense, crisp wine with so much acidity. Not for the first time, I'm reminded of Australia in the 1990s. Slight alcohol burn on the finish. But very flattering to taste. Green AND honeyed. (tasted Sep 2009)
16.5 Drink 2008-10
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2005 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus:
Smoky, with a touch of richness, and a creamy texture to the ripe pear and apple flavors. Almond and glazed apricot notes fill the finish. Drink now.
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009:
"Une cuvée fringante, sur des notes de miel et de nougat, pour finir sur une subtile minéralité."
1000 VINS DU MONDE Union des Oenologues de France:
"Its robe is intensely straw-yellow, its aromas well defined, its mouth ample and persistent. In a word, Elegance."
“Le chardonnay, tout le monde peut en faire partout dans le monde. Mais à Limoux, les terroirs impriment un caractère unique que l’on ne retrouvera nulle part ailleurs.” Tels sont les mots de René Renou, ancien président de l’Institut national des appellations d’origine (INAO). Ce 2005 lui donne raison. Sa robe jaune paille est intense, ses aromes bien développé, sur fond boisé marqué, sa bouche ample et persistante. L’élégance.
Guide des Meilleurs Vins à Petits Prix 2009:
“ L´un des rares chardonnays méridionaux né dans un terroir
frais et propice à posseder de l´élégance et une veritable identité ...
La Cuvée de l'Odyssée 2005 est riche, onctueuse et pleine, avec beaucoup de gras et de richesse. Cette cuvée s'inscrit parmi les plus vineuses et les plus complexes de la serie"
GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Bettane & Desseauve:
Vin étonnant, a l’amertume étirée, fin et raffiné.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2009 :
"Robe jaune clair reflets verts. Nez de fleur blanche, noisette fraîche, fond mûr. Un chardonnay corpulent, puissnt, gras. On l'appréciera assez frais pour profiter de ses aromes" (85 pts)
Light yellow robe shot with green. Nose of white flowers, fresh hazelnut, rich. A corpulent, strong and round chardonnay. Drink chilled to truly appreciate its aromas.
WINE ENTHUSIAST MARCH 2009 :
This is a terrific Chardonnay from Limoux, an area more typically known for its Blanquette (which uses the Mauzac grape) but certainly not limited to it. It’s a ripe and rich wine, loaded with aromas of red apple, nectarine pit, and almond milk. The mouth shows a bit more vibrancy with flavors of lime essence backed by honeydew. Round and fantastically balanced, with a long finish kissed by toasted oak" 90 Pts and "Best Buy".
GUIDE HUBERT 2008 - Pierre Casamayor:
Un nez de tilleul, vanille, fruits blancs confits. La bouche est ronde, sur le fruit très mûr, avec de la vanille et des épices.
A nose of lime-blossom, vanilla, jammy white fruits. The mouth is round, ripe fruits with vanilla and spices.
PERSWIJN OCT 2008:
Krachting, abrikoos, honing en noten, begint te rijpen nu.
Powerful, apricot, honey and nuts
Proefschrift JAARGIDS WIJN 09:
Rijp, ontwikkeld, vol, aromastisch, duidelijk mineralen, complexe smaak, levendig, zeer lange afdronk
... ripe, developped, full, aromatic, minerality, complexe on the palate, lively, very long finish
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
This has a much fresher character than the 2006, and one that appeals much more to me. There is richness here, a lemon-honey cake character, but it is cut through with elements of smoke, toast and importantly a vibrant freshness. The palate is full, crisp, with lovely acidity, a light minerality and notes of crunchy toasted biscuit and charcoal. Vivacious and with the potential to
give more, although it is just fine for drinking now. 16.5+/20 (Jul
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2006 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2010:
Déguster cette Odyssée est une invitation au voyage vers le domaine où l'on découvre les crêtes enneigées des Pyrénées en toile de fond. Ce Limoux jaune doré livre un bouquet discrètement floral, brioché et boisé, qui se prolonge dans un palais harmonieux et frais à souhait, jusqu'à la finale toastée.
Tasting this Cuvée Odyssée is an invitation for a trip to the vineyard where the peaks of the Pyrenees paint the backdrop. This golden yellow Limoux gives up a discreetly floral and toasty bouquet, which lengthens on the palate, harmonious and fresh, right up to its toasty finish.
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009:
Ce vin reste ample, porté par une élégance aromatique grillée. Riche et frais, d'une excellent equilibre.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2010:
Jolie robe jaune d’or. Nez plaisant, expressif, aux parfums d’agrumes mûrs. La bouche est veloutée et fraîche en attaque. En finales le bois apporte des tonalités épicées marquées. Belle personnalité à ouvrir sur un crustacé. (86)
Beautiful yellow gold colour. The nose is pleasant, and expressive, perfumed with citrus fruits. The mouth is velvety and fresh in attack. In the finish, wood brings marked spiced tonalities. A beautiful personality – recommended with shellfish
GUIDE DES VINS PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER 2010:
"... mêle richesse aromatique et persistance, dense avec ces notes de fleurs blanches et de noix fraîche"
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack:
There is a slightly unusual style to this vintage, with a sweet and honeyed nose also showing elements of ginger cake and syrup sponge, marmalade and spice. The palate is soft, honeyed and cakey, rather like the nose. Good substance, lightly tannic, rather akin to a red wine. The
Panmans feel this benefits from decanting, and I would probably agree with them. Nice. 16+/20 (July 2009)
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2007 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE June 2008 - Jean-Emmanuel Simond (barrel tasting):
Style assez frais et nerveux, touche d'agrumes frais, pamplemousse, beau volume et allonge, finale assez tonique et pointe d'amertume rafraichissante. Excellent
Fresh and nervous style, a touch of fresh citrus, grapefruit, good volume and length, peppy finish with a touch of refreshing bitterness.
CEES VAN CASTEREN Dutch Wine Writer
Lichtgele, fonkelende kleur, hevig tranend. Parfum van citrus, peer en meloen en ook ananas, met minerale complexiteit. In de smaak komen deze aroma’s ook weer terug, mondvullend met een prachtige frisheid en lengte. Heel zuiver. Combineer met oestersen andere schelp- en schaaldieren, salades van kreeft of kwarteltjes met salie en prosciutto. Een wijn voor Bourgondische fijnproevers.
Light sparkling yellow robe. On the nose: perfume of citrus, pear and melon, some pineapple with mineral complexity. These aromas return on the palate, very mouthfilling with beautiful freshness and length. Very clean. Accompany this with oysters and other shellfish, lobster salad, quail with prosciutto. A wine for burgundy lovers.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2011
Robe or clair, lumineuse. Le nez mêle fleurs blanches, amande fraîche, notes boisées, vanillées et mentholées. La bouche affiche une grande richesse, du gras et une étonnante longueur. Les arômes d'élevage sont bien présents. Un vin de gastronomie. 86/100
Clear and luminous. The nose blends white flowers and fresh almond with minty, nutty vanilla notes. Great richness in the mouth,fat, astonishing length on the palate. Very gastronomic wine.
VINUM MAGAZINE, GERMANY May 2010
Vielschichtige Aromatik des entwickelten Weines mit rauchigen, fruchtigen, und Gebaecknoten; hervorragend gemacht, das Holz perfekt eingebunden, dabei wuchtig und lang, sogar mineralisch und doch suess – eine Bombe, fast zu viel des Guten.
GUIDE HACHETTE 2011
Cité pour son bouquet complexe de fleurs blanches, de fruits secs et de vanille que l'on appréciera sur un filet de loup au fenouil.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE (Bronze medal)
Sweet and ripe on the nose. Slightly nutty and chalky on the palate with some caramel rich character. Balanced and ripe.
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2008 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Mandarin zest and saffron with rich creaminess on the nose. There's a floral lift to this wine that is simply beautiful. Full and rounded, baked pears finely etched with dramatic spice. Powerful but not heavy. Fabulous acidity and length. Patrician.
richer and a tad toastier, nice buttery vs crisp palate, a bit of oomph too vs fine intense mineral finish.
DECANTER MAGAZINE WORLD WINE AWARDS
Fresh, mineral, elegant and restrained with full body and elegant persistence.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Sweet and ripe on the nose, slightly nutty and chalky on the palate with some caramel rich character. Balanced and ripe.
MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE
2011
Un beau chardonnay frais, à la juste maturité, à l'élevage parfaitement intégré.
LE
GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Bettane & Desseauve
Blanc fin, racé, droit et très long, la finale est complexe: fruits exotiques mûrs, et acidité soutenue.
GUIDE DES VINS 2011 Patrick Dussert-Gerber
De bouche intense où dominent les agrumes et les fruits secs, tout en persistance aromatique, d'une belle finale.
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
Verveine, tilleul et camomille se laissent apprécier. La bouche joue la carte méridionale par son ampleur sans perdre pour autant en équilibre.
LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Blanc fin, racé, droit et très long, la finale est complexe
: fruits exotique mûrs et acidité soutenue.
l'élevage a besoin de se fondre (15.5)
LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2012 (One star)
Ce 2008 dévoile des senteurs délicates de fruits frais (pêche, agrumes) et de rose, relayées en bouche par de persistants et plus généreux arômes de fruits confits. Un vin harmonieux, à déguster aujourd'hui commes dans deux ans sur un pavé de saumon.
WINE SPECTATOR, Kim Marcus (89 pts)
A well-structured white from the south of France, with a minerally essence to the apple, pear and spice flavors. Seductively smoky on the powerful finish. Drink now through 2014.
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2009 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
TIM ATKIN MW
2009 Château Rives-Blanques, Limoux Chardonnay, Odyssée
Classy, barrel-fermented Chardonnay from the hills of cool climate Limoux, this has lovely poise and acidity, with notes of nectarine and vanilla and a crisp finish. 90 points
WINEWRITING.COM by Richard James (Barrel Tasting)
Rich and a tad toasty, nice buttery vs crisp palate, a bit of oomph too vs fine intense mineral finish.
THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
Chateau Rives-Blanques Cuvée de l'Odyssée Chardonnay 2009 Limoux 100% Chardonnay, fermented and aged for 6 months in oak barrels (one-third new). The nose has aromas of oak vanillin and lime oil, with herby notes. The palate is oaky, too, but with a lot of other stuff going on – lemon and lime fruit flavours with hints of spices and orange zest. Fairly rich and extracted, warm and spicy. Very promising, but needs a year or two to integrate.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT GAILLARD 2012
Robe jaune clair.
Nez mêlant notes florales, fruits à chair blanche, touche d'amande. Attaque plaisante, sur le gras, les aromes. L'évolution et la finale laissent parler sa puissance. Un millésime à déguster sur un poisson ou une viande blanche en sauce.
SALLY EASTON MW on www.winewisdom.com
Light citrus, restrained nose. Light and intense melon on palate attack, backed up by big volume of fresh melon and spiced citrus with a creamy-toasted core. Nicely balanced with the freshness typical of Limoux.
LE GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Bouche fraîche; ample et structurée: De lq droiture (15.5°
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
d'une belle robe, de bouche pleine, aux arômes fruités de pêches blanches.
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2010 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
Pure Chardonnay, with 20% new oak. Ripe, buttery and youthful, with some fresh fruit. The oak is well integrated and quite restrained.
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
100% Chardonnay, aged in oak barrels, 25% new. Apple pie and a touch of coconutty oak. Hints of tropical fruits, but with a layer of zesty lemon/citrus and spiciness. Very long.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
est une tres belle réussite, intensément aromatique et précis dans ses saveurs.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2012
Robe or intense. Nez plaisant, de fruits blancs, fruits au sirop. Un chardonnay tendre, acidulé, au
boisé fondu. L'ensemble propose une agréable fraîcheur fruitée. Une cuvée qui conviendra de
l'apéritif jusqu'au dessert. (Médaille d'Or)
WINE ENTHUSIAST JUNE 2012 Editor's Choice (90pts)
A stunning white with superb balance and layer upon layer of aromas and flavors. An expressive white flower note accents the solid backbone of ripe red apple and firm nectarine fruit. The medium-weight palate is slightly creamy but not overdone, with hints of toast, sweet spice and almond-flavoured nutiness that unfolds on the finish.
GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2013
Tres appreciée du jury pour sa palette aromatique complexe melant la fleur de garrigue, la brioche légérement grillée et des notes boisées. La bouche est prometeuse avec sa structure dévélopée, soyeuse et vanillée, tonifiée par une délicate fraicheur, qui laisse présager un bel avenir à cette bouteille. A servir sur un porc à l'ananas, par example. (une étoile)
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
This is 100% Chardonnay. There is a rich blend of fruit on the nose, prominent orchard fruit aromas, and some tang-sherbetty citrus tones. Very confident, firmly expressed, but bright too. The palate has a confident flesh, with plenty of supple substance. There is plenty of zippy, tangy acidity to it as suggested on the nose, with some good grip as well. There is a little frame of oak here, giving some grip, but other wise it is very subtle. Lots of crunchy, sherbetty acidity on the finish. A very appealing wine, very long too. 16.5/20 (December 2012)
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2011 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
Un vin riche et frais d'un excellent équilibre. Tres croquant, l'Odyssée 2011 se révele salivant et complet
LEON STOLARSKI
100% Chardonnay. An abundance of peach, orange blossom and lime oil on both the nose and palate. Quite rich and opulent, but beautifully balanced. Long and lovely.
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
This is 100% Chardonnay. A pale straw gold. Nose of sweet fruit, intense melons and peaches, a riper warm climate style. Nevertheless, given time in the glass, it shifts from being a vehicle merely for the pure, sweet fruit to a more pithy, challenging and certainly more appealing character. The palate has some fleshy fruit, with a glossy finish to the wine’s tangible, bitter, very appealing grip, There are more orchard fruits here, with a citrus freshness, and a dry pithy character to it, with texture and weight. Good bite to it in the finish. Give it time in the decanter and it works now, but there is surely potential for the cellar here, for a year or two perhaps? 16/20 (December 2012)
GUIDE HUBERT 2013 (Pierre Casamayor)
Un nez bien typé, avec du fruit blanc, des notes de tilleul, de vanille,
d’acacia. bouche pleine, ronde mais avec de la fraicheur, une finale épicée. Pour une
blanquette de veau.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Pale straw. Light mango overtones. Melon and papaya with creamy finish.
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2012 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
JANCIS ROBINSON MW, PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
Very sweet and broad on the nose, white peaches. An edge of saltiness and still some fermentaiton aromas. Just an edge of ashiness. A bit of tension and obviously lots of work on the texture. Probably best to wait until the end of 2013 to appreciate this to the full
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW Taste Languedoc Blogspot
Ripe rounded nutty fruit on nose. Good fruit with a nicely textured palate. Very satisfying.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2015
... oscille entre la pomme Golden et l'anis
GUIDE DES VINS BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2015
Fruité et floral, bouche droite sans mordant. Note: 14.5
Apogée: de 2014 à 2016
BURGHOUND Allen Meadows October 2014
A discreet but not invisible application of wood serves as a backdrop for the citrus-inflected white orchard fruit aromas. There is a caressing mouth feel to the lightly stony flavors that possess a clean finish of good if not special depth and length, where the wood telegraphed by the nose, reappears. This too would make a good choice of an all-round house white. 86pts
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS
Delicate, floral nose of melon, pineapple and spice. Nicely textured and layered with flavours of pineapple, mangos and clove. Weighty with a medium length.
LA METROPOLE Quebec, Roger Huet, Aout 2015
Magnifique robe jaune-or avec des reflets argentés. Bouquet floral très assorti : acacia, fleur d’oranger, jasmin, fruité également: pamplemousse rose, citron, pomme Golden, pêches blanches avec une variété de fruit secs : noisette, amande grillée, une pointe d’anis et des notes minérales. Ample, généreux et vif en bouche. Malgré son acidité importante un bel équilibre avec le gras et une harmonie caressante jusqu’en fin de bouche, beaucoup d’élégance et une grande souplesse avec à peine une touche boisée qui le rend irrésistible.
Wine Spectator Kim Marcus (88 pts)
A rich, spicy and well-crafted white, with a hint of smoke to the ripe apple, pear and white currant flavors. Fresh acidity supports the buttery accents on the finish. Drink now through 2017.
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2013 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (June 2014 )Les Plus Beaux Vins du Millésime
Expressif et exubérant, particulierement savoureux, le fruit s'exprime sans entrave dans ce vin uniquement basé sur le chardonnay.
Expressive and exuberant, particularly flavourful, nothing can stop the expression of fruit in this 100% chardonnay
LE MONDE 18 juin 2014 - Languedoc, le meilleur du millésime 2013
Dans les terres montagneuses de Limoux, au sud de Carcassonne, le Château Rives-Blanques présente un blanc issu de chardonnay expressif et particulièrement savoureux, où le fruit s'exprime sans entrave. 12,50 €.
Jancis Robinson MW Purple Pages September 2014
A very light touch with the oak on the nost. Lightly, smokily reductive. Absolutely masses of acidity on the palate! This is not for the Bridgit Jones brigade, and it probably needs a bit of time but should provide very rewarding drinking in the medium term. You'd quite happily pay twice as much if it said Puligny on the label. Very likely to be GV. No hurry whatsoever to drink this. Razor sharp and super sleek. 17
BURGHOUND Allen Meadows October 2014
A ripe yet fresh nose offers up notes of floral, white peach, pear and apple that are trimmed in enough wood to notice. There is very good concentration to the round and very lush medum-bodied flavors that display a trace of citrus on the clean and dry finish. This delivers good quality in a frank style that could be enjoyed now or held for a year first. 87 pts.
GUIDE HUBERT 2015 Pierre Casamayor
Un joli nez de fruits mêlés aux fleurs, on a de la pomme et de la pêche, de l'acacia et de la rose, le tout saupoudré d'une vanille douce. Bel équilibre en bouche toujours sur la gourmandise vanillée avec une touche citronnée. Un vin pour la bonne table avec une aile de raie au beurre noir. 
WINE ADVOCATE (ROBERT PARKER) Jeb Dunnuck 92 pts.
A terrific chardonnay that's fermente in 15% new French oak, with batonnage twice a week. It has smokeing notes of crushed rocks, ripe apple, buttered citrus and brioche to go with a medium-bodied, supple, textured feel on the palate. It nees more tension and focus on the palate, but the nose alone is worth the price of admission. These new releases from Chateau Rives-Blanques are some of the top whites reviewed for this Languedoc report. They also represent terrific values
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2016 La Revue du Vin de France
Odyssée se goûte sur la rondeur de sa chair. 14.5
FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN WINE.COM Richard Mark James
Quite rich vs very steely mix, the oak is well done with just a touch of grainy texture, concentrated with very tighjt and nutty finish. Classy.
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2014 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER GUIDE DES VINS 2016
Marqué par son cépage, est tout en rondeur et persistant en bouche, sent la rose et le lis, avec une note de fraîchure caractérisitique.
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus(88 pts)
Fresh acidity hosts creamed apple, pear, honeysuckle and spice flavors in this medium-bodied white. There is a nice underlying richness of custard and pastry that eases through to the mineral and sweet spice finish. Drink now.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES 16.5+ pts
Lemon fruit with a mineral restraint despite the barrel ferment. A hint of fresh white blossom too. Dry but generous on the palate. Not particularly intense but well balanced and persistent and with potential for further development in the bottle. (JH)
PERSWIJN March April 2016 (4 stars)
Fijn wit fruit, perzik en peer, citrus, elegant en opwekkend, fris en sappig, lekker.
ROBERT PARKER WINE ADVOCATE April 2016 (90 points) by Jeb Dunnuck
Also outstanding and a terrific value, the 2014 Limoux Odyssée is all chardonnay from higher elevation parcels. The grapes were harvested by hand and fermented in (20% new) French oak. It has classical chardonnay apple, lemon-peel and hints of tropical fruit to go with medium bodied nicely fruited yet always fresh, lively and balanced style on the palate. It will keep 4 - 5 years.
JANCISROBINSON.COM 17 PTS (TC) July 2016 Pale lemon. Totally closed on the nose - hiding away - youth? Green apples and vibrato and fantastic eucalypte note. The tiniest hint of gunpowder, flintiness, and lurking under all those youthful sinewy angles and geometry, a hint of the depth of the fruit that is there. So so elegant. The acidity cuts the palate with the precision of a surgeon's knife. Drink 2016 - 2021
CUVEE DE L'ODYSSÉE 2015 (AOC Limoux chardonnay)
THE SIMPLE SOMMELIER Maxwell Allwood July 2016
This is a different beast entirely, as it is Rives-Blanques’ version of a textbook Limoux AOP. It is a Chardonnay, again from low-yielding, old vines. It is restrained and elegant, yet there is aromatic complexity with some wet-stone and struck flint minerality underscoring the fresh pear and lemon peel fruit notes. In the mouth it is creamy, and there are lovely, delicate white floral and peach flavours. The wine has wonderful freshness, and it is extremely elegant, finishing again with a sense of mineral depth. Comparisons with high-end Burgundy are inevitable, and of course this is better value than something from one of the Côte d’Or’s lauded villages, but I also think it offers unrivalled value in a global sense. In the UK market, at this sub £15 price point, I doubt you can find this quality from, say, Margaret River or Santa Barbara County.
DÉDICACE 2002 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
GUIDE HACHETTE 2005:
« …Les arômes de pêche et de fruits confits s'y épanouissent agréablement.»
A pleasing mix of peachy and jammy fruit aromas
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER 2005:
«Un chenin distinguée, long en bouche aux arômes floraux ou l'on retrouve l'acacia, un vin comme nous les aimons.»
A distinguished chenin, long in the mouth with floral aromas dominated by acacia; wine as we like it.
CHENIN DU MONDE
La robe brillant couleur jaune d'or aux reflets paille claire s'ouvre sur un nez intense et charmeur au caractère doux de vanille, caramel, banane et bois de chêne. La bouche soyeuse et pleine offre une texture merveilleuse surmontée par un boisé vanillé. La fraîcheur est apportée par les agrumes et la touche amère structure le vin. Un beau vin de style moderne et technique
A brilliant yellow gold robe with light straw-coloured reflections leads to an intense and charming nose characterised by soft notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. The mouth is silky, full and marvellously textured. The freshness is carried by citrus and a touch of bitterness which gives structure to the wine. A handsome wine in a modern and technological style.
1000 VINS DU MONDE (HACHETTE PRATIQUE) SELECIONES PAR LES OENOLOGUES DE FRANCE:
«D'un jaune d'or à reflets gris-verts, elle présente un nez complexe d'agrumes puis de fleurs (chèvrefeuille et acacia). Sa vivacité équilibrée et son volume en font un bon vin à savourer dès aujourd'hui.»
WINE INTERNATIONAL (February 2004):
"Quite confected fruit salad aromas and flavours with some oak. This is quite a modern style of wine."
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW Taste Languedoc (tasted April 2015)
I could almost make a comparison with mature Chablis. The colour was light golden, with no signs at all of oxidation. There were notes of mousseron, lightly mushroomy notes on the nose that you also find in mature Chablis and the palate was very elegant with lots of nuances, with dry honey and balancing acidity. It was a lovely mature glass of wine, on its plateau, but certainly not falling off it.
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DÉDICACE 2003 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2005 Judges' Tasting Notes:
"Lemon hue, apple and blossom. Balanced, harmonious mouthful, elegant."
CONCOURS GENERAL DE PARIS
‘Nez exotique et intense. Bouche beurrée, fruitée et vanillée’
Commentaire du Jury
Exotic and intense nose. Buttery, fruity and notes of vanilla on the palate. Jury‘s comment
1000 Vins du Monde 2006,Oenologues de France.
...cette cuvée jaune, pâle à reflets brillants. Le nez s'ouvre sur des notes d'agrumes, puis, rapidement, des touches de fuits blancs (poire, pêches) s'épannouissent. La bouche exprime une fraîchure minérale, nauancée d'un boisé discret. Ce vin accompagnera bien un plateau de fruits de mer.
A light yellow cuvée with clear bright highlights. On the nose citrussy notes at first, closely followed by a touch of white fruits (peach and pear). On the palate, a mineral freshness, refined by discreet oaking. This wine goes well with seafood.
GUIDE HACHETTE 2006
Parée d'une robe jaune pâle limpide, elle offre un bouquet fin et agréable de fruits exoitiques rehaussé d'une touche légèrement boisée et minérale. La bouche ample et généreuse témoigne d'un mariage parfait.
A light, limpid yellow robe; on the nose a fine bouquet of exotic fruits with a light mineral oakiness; the palate is round and generous, perfectly harmonious.
DÉDICACE 2004 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc
GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT-GERBER 2007
Un vin où l'on retrouve des nuances de tilleul, alliant charpente et finesse, de bouche fruitée
THE LONDON TIMES, JANE MacQUITTY November 2006
This gorgeous, dry, full, waxy, peachy, smoky, chenin blanc, made from mature, low-yielding, 18-year-old vines grown on some of Limoux's best soils and rounded off with a dash of new oak by eco-aware winemakers, is an absolute delight. A wonderful festive bottle for those who are sick and tired of the usual merry-go-round of winter whites.
THE WINE DOCTOR (Chris Kissack)October 2006
Another barrel-fermented cuvée, but here this treatment is much less obvious. Full, honey and straw character on the nose, it is rich in aroma but without any great minerality or precision. Similar character on the palate, very full and textured, a warm and enveloping texture carrying a raft of straw and mineral characters, buoyed along by a very firm, grippy substance which probably indicates the presence of some barrel-derived tannins. Very well balanced acidity, rolling across the palate; this wine shows much of Chenin's character, although it lacks the huge depth or finish of a great and mature Chenin, such as from Savennières, at present. Nevertheless it is a full, fine example of the variety, and as well as drinking well now it should do very well in the cellar, and it would be interesting to see just what complexity developed; I suspect it may be considerable. Impressive, certainly the finest Chenin outside of the Loire I have encountered.
1000 VINS DU MONDE 2007 (HACHETTE PRATIQUE) SELECIONES PAR LES OENOLOGUES DE FRANCE:
Cette cuvée de chenin, jaune pâle, parsemée de reflets verts,offre un nez délicat de fleurs blanches (jasmin) légèrement miellées, relevé de nuances fruitées de poire. La bouche, dominée par des flaveurs de citron confit, présente du relief et un juste équilibre.
DM MAGAZINE, BELGIUM; Frank van der Auwera:
A wine that can be put down for 3 or 4 years. A jewel from Limoux: a wonderful colour, the bouquet starts with toasty oak impressions, nutty with ripe yellow fruit and lime blossom. Stone dry, even surprisingly zesty in the mouth, with lime leaves again, full of ripe yellow fruit compote. Great freshness. Almost a classic Loire chenin, and undoubtedly a real surprise at the table."
Een parel uit Limoux: heel schitterende kleurspiegel, het boeket startend met toasty eik-impressies, noterig, met verder rijp geel fruit en lindebloesem . Beendroog, zelf verrassend zesty in de mond, met opnieuw lindebladjes, boordevol rijpe gele fruchtencompote. Prima Fraicheur. Haast klassieke 'Loire-chenin'; en ongetwijfeld een surprise aan tafel."
LE GUIDE HUBERT Pierre Casamayor:
Fumé, avec des notes de coing, de cire. La bouche est souple, avec une finale miellée.
ALTIDES DU LANGUEDOC & DU ROUSSILLON, Jury's Verdict:
Tout en finesse ce Limoux blanc, par sa robe jaune paille claire, par ses aromes ou dominent les senteurs de fleurs blanches et de jasmin. Attaque fraîche, grande impression de minéralité.
Everything about this white Limoux is fine and elegant: its clear straw yellow robe, its aromas of white flowers and jasmin. Fresh in the attack with a great impression of minerality.
WIJN KOOP GIDS 2009, Frank van der Auwera:
Superschitterend goudgeel, met een boeket van notenpasta, creme au beurre, witte netel eh lindebloesem, in de smaak gevolgd door exotische impressies van gekonfijte citrus-vruchten, lichtjes oaky en tabacé, maar vooral nerveus en sappig. Apart en authentiek.
DÉDICACE 2005 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
GUIDE GILBERT & GAILLARD 2008:
Robe jaune clair reflets verts. Nez engageant de fleur blanche, agrémenté d'un fruité plus exotique. Bouche ample, joli gras enrobé de fraicheur, parfums purs sur le fruits. Beau chenin.
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus:
A firm, medium-bodied white, with apple, pear, citrus and honey flavors, followed by spicy notes on the rich finish. Drink now through 2010.
LE GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2009, Bettane & Desseauve:
Sur la pomme verte, le citron et les fleurs blanches, l'ensemble n'est pas très puissant mais rafraîchissant
LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:
... un vin où l'on retrouve des nuances de tilleul, alliant charpente et finesse de bouche fruitée
LE PROGRES (LYON) - Yves Espaignet :
Un étonnant vin de Chenin, frais avec une belle harmonie en bouche, notes florales, fruits exotiques.
An amazing chenin blanc, fresh with good harmony in the mouth, floral notes, exotic fruit.
THURIES - GUY CARRIERE:
"There are reasons enough to salute the high quality and originality of this wine. Impeccable, its robe of pale gold with green highlights. Its intense and precise aromas speak of the good maturity of the harvest, and the very respectful and discreet maturation in oak. The pallet is big and aromatic, quite typically chenin (honey, lime-blossom). You will be conquered by the depth, the elegance and the balance of this wine with its long and fresh finish, lifted by an agreable touch of bitter. This signature of chenin gives even more depth to the whole."
Le terroir de ce domaine performant situé à 350 mètres d'altitude à Cépie, convient tout particulièrement au cépage chenin blanc. Cette cuvée est d'ailleurs la seule issue de ce plant à recevoir dans le sud de la France le label AOC. Raison de plus pour en saluer l'originalité et la qualité. Impeccable, la robe se pare de tons or pale à reflets verts. Les effluves intenses et précis traduisent une belle maturité de la vendange, un élevage très respectueux et discret. La palette aromatique est large, bien typique du chenin (miel, tilleul surtout). Vous serez conquis par l'amplitude, la tenue et
l'équilibre de ce vin dont la longue finale fraîche est rehaussée d'une agréable pointe d'amertume. Cette signature du chenin donne encore plus de relief à l'ensemble. En plein apogée
DÉDICACE 2006 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES Languedoc-Roussillon tasting July 2009:
Ch Rives-Blanques, Dedicace 2006 Limoux 17.5 Drink 2009-11
Smoky, mineral and a delicate scent of fresh moss. Intense. Apricot and a rapier-like lime acidity. Arch minerality and then a trail of white blossom on the finish. (TC)
GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Bettane & Desseauve
Grande acidité, avec une longueur étonnante sur les fruits blancs. Belle bouteille.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS Judges' notes:
Honeyed botrytis aromas. Floral nose. Attractive honeyed marmalade fruit. Dry but rich, with well-managed oak and lovely complexity.
DRINKS INTERNATIONAL "WINE NEWS" January 2009 David Longfield
Explosively zingy palate, with melon, lemon sherbet and earthy minerals. Not at all an oaky wine, despite barrel influence. Dry but very refreshing.
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (barrel tasting for "The Best Wines of the Year" supplement):
Issu de chenin, assez généreux. ferme et expressif. Une pointe d'alcool, mais du caractère et de la sincérité
GUIDE DES VINS 2009 PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER
C'est un vin tout en fruit et finessse, aux notes de pommes et de fruits secs
1000 VINS DU MONDE Vinialies International es Jury's notes:
Ce 2006 possède une belle robe or pale aux nuances vertes. Le nez, intense, est marqué par des senteurs de peche blanche, d'agrumes et de cire. Le palais, ample dès la mise en bouche, apporte beaucoup de fraîchure. La finale s'achève sur une légère touche d'amertume.
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
A slightly deeper colour than the 2007, with very classic evolving Chenin honey and straw on the nose; it is characteristics like these, combined with an old-world structure, that led me to describe the 2004 as the best Chenin outside the Loire valley I had ever tasted. Very rich on the palate, perhaps a touch less acidity than the 2007. Stylish, quite full, very overtly Chenin. Firm,
with good substance, spice and length in the finish. Fine potential here.
.... retasted in July 2012: It is a couple of years since I tasted this last, when it showed classic honey and straw Chenin Blanc aromas. It has certainly changed since then; the colour in the glass has a deep and golden hue. The nose is less expressive than previously, showing some withdrawn fruit, spiced wood, with a touch of orange fruit. The palate is robust, with early evolving Chenin Blanc character, dense but with a great richness, with nuances of toffee in the supple background. The palate takes on a firm, rounded and broad feel as a result, with firm acidity, but it is well balanced by the substance and grip of the wine. Overall, quite solid, almost creamy in its character, and fairly long in the finish. Certainly an impressive, substantial, and remarkably grippy wine. having said that, I have no idea where this is going; is it going to blossom into maturity, or just dive into an impenetrable funk? It’s hard to know; I’m glad I opened this bottle now. 16.5/20
DÉDICACE 2007 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM
Une robe claire avec un joli lustre. Les arômes floraux en finesse s'affirment sur des notes d'acacia. Un vin ample, un brin minéral agrémenté de notes de nougat.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2010
Robe jaune pâle, reflets verts . Le nez associe le coing mûr à des notes d'épices douces et de bois. La bouche est riche, le bois lui apporte gras, onctuosité et puissance. On retrouve les arômes fruités à connotation exotique. Pour un poisson en sauce. (85)
To the eye: pale yellow with green reflections. On the nose: ripe quince associates with wood and notes of soft spice. The mouth is rich, full, fat and powerful with great consistency thanks to vinification in oak barrels. Fruity flavours with exotic notes. Recommended to accompany a fish in sauce.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Gerbelle & Maurange
Nerveuse et marquée par les agrumes.
GUIDE DES VINS PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER 2010
"... tout en fruit et finesse, aux notes de pomme et de fruits secs"
JANCIS ROBINSON
It has gained a bit in depth with time in bottle but just a little less convincing than the Mauzac 2005, though younger of course. Very clean and well made, and seems rather more concentrated than the 2008.
16.5 Drink 2008-10
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
Fermented in oak, then half left in oak for a total six months, the other half out into tank after four months. The name of this cuvée reflects the Panmans' dedication to the appellation and terroir , and each vintage is also dedicated to an individual. Very fresh on the nose, although youthful displaying some richness, related to the bâtonnage ? The palate is rounded off but elegant, stylish, but quite full and almost meaty. Toothsome, in fact. Good, with potential. 16.5+/20 (July 2009)
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Slightly more smoky on the nose than the 2008. Firm minerality and more wood spice perhaps? Richer. But still thrilling acidity. Quite tightly wound still. Notes of honey and apricot slowly unfolding in the glass. Real richness and roundness. This is a wine to drink slowly, perhaps even decant for short while. (TC)
VINUM MAGAZINE GERMANY May 2010
Noten von Apfel und Heu, schoen herb, mit Temperment und Fuelle. 2010-2014
DÉDICACE 2008 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
JANCIS ROBINSON FINANCIAL TIMES
More floral than the Mauzac. Very good acidity though a bit more spindly than the Mauzac. Sleek and polished though without quite the character of the Mauzac. 16 Drink 2009-11
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Fresh, quite precise, lots of acidity, and green peach notes. Golden apple and rounded at the core with floral edges and just a tantalising smudge of the honey to come. A prickle of spice on the finish. Elegant. (TC)
DECANTER MAGAZINE WORLD WINE AWARDS
Tight, mineral style with lanolin, tropical fruit, good depth and excellent acidity.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Passion fruit nose with a touch of creamy richness. Ripe apricot and vanilla on the palate with a long, fresh, citrus finish
MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011
Equilibré, mûr et finement citronné
GUIDE DES VINS 2011 Patrick Dussert-Gerber
Ample et florale, de bouche suave et fraîche à la fois, très bien vinifié
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & MIllau
Pur chenin du Sud, on le retrouve d'emblée au nez sur les mirabelles et de l'abricot. La texture de bouche est ample, consistante jouant aussi sur l'équilibre.
WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE (Editor's Choice) 90 pts.
This 100% Chenin Blanc is a beautiful example of what the variety can express: soft florals loaded with garrigue notes alongside tropical fruit aromas of mango, guava and pineapple. It's vibrant in the mouth, with moderate acidity and a lifting backbone of lemon verbena. The finish lingers gracefully, and overall the wine is ripe and attractive without being sweet or cloying. L.B
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
This 2008 is light golden in colour, with some honeyed leafy notes and good fruit on the palate, with some underlying oak. The 2010 has only just been bottled – they will leave it in the cellar for at least 12 -1 8 months before releasing it. Again there was a touch of oak with some dry honey and a satisfying mouth feel with good acidity. It promises well, with good ageing potential. I have enjoyed mature vintages of this in the past.
LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Nez floral. Bouche ample et suave; énergique
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus
Crisp, offering green pear and Granny Smith apple flavors that finish with a zesty minerality. Drink now. 8,000 cases made. –KM
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DÉDICACE 2009 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com:
100% Chenin Blanc, aged in barrels of up to 5 years old, but with 8% new. Apple and stoney mineral aromas. A lemony palate, with some tropical fruit notes, but more in the way of non-fruit/mineral flavours.
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
Un excellent Limoux chenin blanc; ample et florale; de bouche suave et fraîche à la fois; très bien vinifié comme le chardonnay Limoux
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Citronné et fin, Dédicace présent plus de matiere en 2009.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2012
Robe or clair, brillante. Nez fin, minéral sur fond de fruits blancs. Bouche enveloppante, qui met en avant sa matière, son gras, sa puissance. Finale sur le fruit. Un limoux mâchu, à servir sur une viande blanche crémeuse. (médaille d'Or)
GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT GERBER 2013
... est ample et florale, de bouche suave et fraîche à la fois, très bien vinifié
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES October 2012
Ch Rives-Blanques, Dédicace 2009 Limoux 15.5 Drink 2013-2015
Young appley Chenin Blanc aromas but without the crunchy acidity of the Loire and without the honey and old-vine interest of the best South Africans. A little loose. With bottle age it may take on more interest. There is a nice, firm finish already. This vintage is dedicated to their neighbour James Kinglake of Dom Begude who helped them out when their wine press gave up the ghost. Nice idea. 13.5%
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
A pale golden hue here. The aromatics call to mind some classic varietal elements, with notes of straw and light, crystalline, golden fruits, and there is also a nice edge of minerally crunch to it as well. It certainly seems fresh and defined which is welcome in this vintage. This first impression is backed up on the palate, which although showing a lightly creamed, lemon curd element through the middle also has good acidity, this providing some backbone along with some appealing grip as well. It feels really quite energetic and citrus-spritzy in the midpalate, before softening a little towards the end. Overall, a good wine. 16.5/20 (December 2012)
DÉDICACE 2010 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE SUR LE MILLÉSIME 2010:
Joliment citronnée, la matiere tranchante se montre élancée. Réussite Exceptionnelle.
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Lots of prickly acidity here, balanced by some creamy oak and tropical fruits and lemon oil. Beautifully fresh and zesty in the mouth, but with some complexity too. Good length. Of the 2 vintages, I definitely prefer this one. As a footnote, we have enjoyed a whole bottle of this wine, over the last couple of days and it really is a classy wine - swathes of classic Chenin fruit on the nose and palate, with notes of wet wool, lemon curd, tangy apple and serious minerality, which puts me in mind of a bone dry Vouvray.
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE La Revue du Vin de France :
Est un peu en retrait, mais sa finesse et sa discrete amertume sonnent tres juste.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES October 2012
Ch Rives-Blanques, Dédicace 2010 Limoux 16 Drink 2014-2017
Chenin Blanc. This vintage dedicated to Georges Pauli, 'who has inspired and helped us on the way'. Markedly more nerve and acidity than the 2009. Green apples and potential. Still very youthful. I'd like to see a little toastiness develop. But racy and refreshing. Good to see this variety celebrated in Limoux. 13%
LEON STOLARSKI
100% Chenin Blanc. A subtle nose of spring flowers, peach, orange and herbs. Steely dry, with plenty of Chenin character and minerality, with cracking lemony acidity.
HET LAATSTE NIEUWS (XTRA) Luc Meyermans, Belgium
Witte perzik en pompelmoes. Zuidelijke chenin, wat voller van smaak, maar voldoende fris, met licht bittere, nootachtige finale.
DRINKS HOTELS James Lawther MW
Pale yellow colour. Appely aroma with a hint of honeyed complexity. Palate round on attrack but nervy acidity behind. Lively, appetizing wine.
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
This is 100% Chenin Blanc. A pale lemon gold hue. The nose is very reminiscent of youthful Aussie Semillon at first, with a very firm, defined, slightly honeyed and creamy-curdy lemon fruit character on the nose. It is certainly fresh and bright, but also very firm. On the palate it is full and robust, with lemon and stone, and plenty of grip and substance behind it. An impressively solid and confident mouthful. Vigorous and full of sour and fully expressed fruit. A good effort here. 16/20 (December 2012)
GUIDE HUBERT 2013 (Pierre Casamayor)
Un nez de coing, floral, avec de la subtilite. Bouche tendre, tendue, avec du
fruit, une note amandée, un e finale tonique. Pour un sandre roti.
DÉDICACE 2011 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
This is 100% Chenin Blanc. Pale straw hue. The nose is fruit-rich, expressive, with some tropical tinges to it, especially melon, but also with some citrus tinges, providing a bright and cool frame. There is also a little edge of chalky pith, and a lick of cashew nut, from the oak perhaps? The palate is full, cool, with plenty of style, supple and yet with good weight and character, but it still shows a bright and defined midpalate. There is some grip in he finish here. There is oak here, but it shows through structure more than flavour. Good.
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2014 LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE
Ferme et tonique, tres equilibré.
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW Taste Languedoc Blogspot
Dry honey; lovely honey. Delicious. The palate is filling out
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2015
... se distingue par un fruit particulierement avenant
GUIDE DUSSERT GERBER DES VINS 2014
Une réussite et collectionne les récompenses. Suave en bouche, harmonieux, aux aromes de fruits blancs, d'une belle élégance et d'une grande richesse aromatique en finale. Excellent.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS (Silver medal)
Aromas of honey and citrus with touch of oak. Ripe, rich palate of creamy apples and vanilla. Pleasing Christmas pudding character with some orange zest on the finish.
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus (87 pts)
Crunchy apple, white cherry and candied ginger notes give this an exotic appeal. Roasted pineapple and lanolin details show on the taut finish. Drink now. 700 cases made. –KM
DÉDICACE 2012 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (La Vérité du Millésime 2012)
Fraichure citronnée pour ce vin précis et tres élancé, aux notes de fruits blancs, à l'acidité tres élevée et au profit tranchant. Une Grande Réussite.
LABORATOIRE MARC DUBERNET
Nez frutié, d'agrumes, zeste de citron, notes exotiques, bouche ample et dynamique
JANCIS ROBINSON, PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
This lacks the honey and the crispness of, say, a fine Vouvray and is somehow a lttle more apples and minerals, but it is recognisably Chenin and will presumably blossom into something a little more forthcoming. Great satin exture. I'd love to see this in a year.
Jancis Robinson MW Purple Pages September 2014
Barrel fermented with a light hand. Pure, steely with notes of honeyed apples and some damp straw. This is certainly a textbook chenin Blanc ! Lots of chew on the end. Really crystalline and this tastes dry, thanks to the massive acidity. This is slowly unfurling from its rather introvert state a year ago, It should last many years. Less depth and grunt than an absolutely topnotch dry Vouvray or Montlouis, but very refined. A particularly lissome rendition. (It is certainly nothing like the typical Languedoc white, thanks to the elevation and relatively cool climate of LImoux). 16.5
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (September 2015) 17 pts
Purest of aromas – mostly lemon cream but also a touch of cedar and spice from the barrel ferment and the tiniest adumbration of honey. Creamy, rounded on the palate with a hint of orange. Long and cool. (JH)
LE GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT-GERBER 2015
Est une réussite et collectionne les récompenses, avec des petites notes de peche jaune et de lis, un vin ample et harmonieux.
Decanter World Asia Awards Jury comment
Aromas of Granny Smith apples, fresh apricots, and blood orange. The palate is delightfully tropical with notes of pear, melon, papaya and vanilla with a touch of toasted bread. A well rounded wine with a great finish (Silver Medal)
澳洲青苹果、新鲜杏子和血橙的香气。令人愉快的热带风格中带有梨、蜜瓜、木瓜和香草味道中夹着些许烤面包香，是
一款圆润优秀的葡萄酒，收尾悠长
GUIDE HUBERT 2015 Pierre Casamayor
Un nez de coing, vanille, notes balsamiques et mentholées. Bouche fraîche, sur le fruit jeune, avec une finale nerveuse et poivrée. Pour des fruits de mer.
WINE ADVOCATE (ROBERT PARKER) Jeb Dunnuck 92 pts
Another stunner from this producer. Massive minerality, lychee and citrus notes all give way to a medium-bodied, textured, vibrant wine that will evolve nicely. Made from 100% chenin blanc and fermented and aged in 15% new oak, it's a beautiful white that's well worth the effort to track down. These new releases from Chateau Rives-Blanques are some of the top whites reviewed for this Languedoc report. They also represent terrific values.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Rounded, fresh pear and peach flavour with some ripe apple notes.
LEON STOLARSKI
Lots of aromatic complexity here, with spiced apple pie, mandarin orange and a hint of pineapple, wet stone minerality (not to mention a touch of classic Chenin Blanc "wet dog"!), garrigue herbs and beautifully subtle, creamy oak. Although this has been open for a few days without me writing a note, it really is as fresh as the moment the cork was popped, offering masses of soft citrus and apple fruit flavours, laced with all manner of spice and herb nuances, perfectly balanced between creaminess and zest, and perhaps even with a suggestion of tannic/mineral grip. And very long, too. You probably wouldn't mistake it for a Loire Chenin, but Languedoc Chenin has a recognisable character all of its own - and this one is a classic example. a really lovely, complex wine.
WINE SPECTATOR (GS) (89 pts)
Lemon curd, ripe melon and spice notes are boosted by firm, fresh acidity in this medium-bodied white. Minteral undertones add complexity on the creamy, floral-tinged finish. Drink now.
FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN WINE.COM Richard Mark James
Developing oily notes and oaty/toasty on the nose and palate, quite buttery and rounded with savoury maturing flavours vs subtle crisp bite still; very nice start to the tasting.
DEDICACE 2013 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
Jancis Robinson MW Purple Pages September 2014
Recognisably Chenin without the honey. This is very pure and crisp, with less extract and therefore earlier expression than the 2012. Strong green apple notes but not uncomfortably underripe. Like the 2012, this should age very well, surely. But it is strictly for acid freaks. Not for neophytes. Drink to 2020 (16)
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2016 La Revue du Vin de France
Sur les fruits secs, affiche une belle tension, dans un esprit tres ligérien. 15
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2016
Charmeur, aux notes de pêche, richement bouqueté , tout en structure et parfums, fondu en bouche.
DEDICACE 2014 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
PERSWIJN March April 2016 (4.5 stars)
Weelderig, bloemen en rijpe peer, abrikozen, rijk, zoetje, fijne zuren, bitters, sap.
ROBERT PARKER WINE ADVOCATE April 2016 (91 points) by Jeb Dunnuck
This offers complex and exotic notes of under ripe peach, citrus blossom and mint, with a kiss of minerality, to go with a medium-bodied, layered, perfectly balanced style on the palate. I'd drink it in its youth, but I expect it will age gracefully.
GUIDE HUBERT 2016 (Pierre Casamayor / Nadine Adenis) 
Tenor de l'Année
"Un nez gourmand de pommes au four avec une pointe vanillée et de la fraicheur végétale comme l'angélique. Meme histoire en bouche avec du beurre frais, de la réglisse et une touche de citron. Finale grillée"
JANCIS ROBINSON.COM 17 PTS (TC) July 2016
Pale lemony green. Beautiful nose - like wild fresh honey and fragrant hay and fresh quince and golden late-picked apples with the lightest dusting of spice. Tingling with intensity, woven with flavours that shift like sunlight on leaves. The spice intensifies a little on the palate, the fruit is tight and sharp ,a nd for now green apple dominates but this is very embryonic. Long, sure, sculpted definition, hint of wax and imprint of honey to come. Drink to 2022. (Tamlyn Currin)
DEDICACE 2015 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2002 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE:
« Expression d'un pur mauzac limouxin et saveurs originales de pommes compotées.»
The expression of a real Limoux mauzac and original flavours of cooked apples.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2003 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2005 Judges' Tasting Notes:
"Fresh lemony apple nose, pure, clean precise palette, well-crafted wine."
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS A PETITS PRIX 2006:
"Doré aux nuances vertes, ce pur mauzac est un vie de culture qui ne plaira pas à tous, avec 
sa bouche très riche, son absence totale d'acidité et ses notes d'amande amère en finale. Une cuvée originale à servir jeune et fraiche." (8/10)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE:
« Bouche grasse, riche, tendue en fin de bouche. Le mauzac le plus équilibre...»
Full in the mouth, rich, lingering length. A most balanced mauzac.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2004 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
THE WINE DOCTOR (Chris Kissack)
A fascinating cuvée made from 100% Mauzac, barrel-fermented in French oak followed by ten months in same, a treatment very much in evidence when tasting. A well-coloured almost shimmering golden hue in the clear bottle and in the glass. A nose of oiled oak barrel with an appealing, honeyed, oatmeal character; this sort of seasoning may very well be necessary with this fairly neutral high-acid variety, although as this is the only example of pure Mauzac in existence I naturally have no prior experience! Very fresh impact on the palate, despite the overlay of mealy oak, helped by the expected but very well defined acidity. Nicely filled out on the palate, underpinned by some fairly obvious grippy oak tannin. Slowly fading finish. Good quality is evident here. Likely to show some benefit from a year or two in the cellar, I think.
FRANK VAN DER AUWERA; DM Magazine Belgium:
Wow! a 100% mauzac made from grapes that swing. Intensely straw-yellow, with a fine oak-touched bouquet, filled out with acacia-honey, apricots, Cape apples and nougat. Lovely and creamy in the mouth, with alot of peach and apricots, vanilla in the finish. A delicious food wine.
Wow, een 100% cuvée van Mauzac - druiven die swingen. Intens strogeel, met een naar fijne eik geurend boeket, aangevuld met acacia-honing, abrikozen, Kaapse appelen nougat. Lekker romig in de mond, met veelperzik en abrikoos, uitlopend in een vanillefinale. Heerlijke maaltijdwijn.
THE IRISH INDEPENDENT; Catherine Donnelly:
'a full-flavoured white wine reminiscent of orchard fruits and nuts with good acidity'
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2005 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
HUBRECHT DUIJKER; Flying Dutchman:
Een Limoux, Cuvée Occitania gedoopt, die dankzij het hout een zachte kruidigheid kreeg plus wat vanille en specerijen, allemaal extra's die mauzacs eigen fruit van appel, peer en citrus completeren, wat dimensie geven.
Thanks to its vinification in oak, this Limoux called Cuvée Occitania, gets extra dimension and some vanilla and spicy complements to the mauzac's natural fruit of apple, pear and citrus."
JANCIS ROBINSON
Bravo! It has aged very convincingly - not unlike Chenin at this age. Dense, a bit toastier with a little bit more honey. This Mauzac character can certainly age in bottle. Really interesting. Their last bottle apparently... (tasted in 2009)
MIDI LIBRE based on jury's verdict of the Concours des Grands Vins du Languedoc Roussillon:
"Beautiful nectar! From the very tops of its towers, Chateau Rives-Blanques has produced a Cuvée Occitania blessed with a beautiful robe of gold shot with light nuances of green. The nose is fine, elegant, subtly buttery. Notes of white flowers, gorse and ripe apricots dominate. The mouth is complex, with a touch of honey in the finish. Pure pleasure!"
Beau nectar! Du haut de ses tours, le chateau Rives-Blanques a produit, en 2005, une cuvée Occitania dotée d'une belle robe or avec des nuances vert très clair. Son nez est fin, élégant,
subtilement beurré. Des notes de fleurs blanches, de genêts et d'abricots mûrs dominent. Sa bouche est complexe, avec une pointe de miel et une finale légèrement toastée. Que du bonheur!
LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:
Joli Cuvée Occitania franc et floral, de bouche friande avec ces senteurs de garrigue.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS Jury's Notes:
Lovely weight of fruit with floral hints and some peach. Good acidity.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2006
No independent tasting notes exist for this vintage, as it was entirely bought by KLM for their World Business Class.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2007 (AOC Limouc Mauzac)
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009:
Il associe la richesse sudiste et la fraîchure des amers limouxins. 2007 montre pour la première fois une grande fraîchure, délicat dans la finale amandée.
HUBRECHT DUIJKER, Wine Writer:
Discovering this rare Limoux is an extraordinary pleasure. The 2007 tastes both firm and full, with juicy fruit of apples, pears and some citrus, while also offering mild vanilla, a soft spiciness, a hint of liquorice and some toast – a refreshing alternative for the ever-present chardonnay.
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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2008 (AOC Limoux Mauzac)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Les Plus Beaux Vins du Millésime 2008:
Bon volume pour ce mauzac au fruit croquant, ample, pur et grais, très belle vivacité, c'est savoureux, très bien construit. Un blanc nerveux et séduisant.
Great volume in this crunchy-fruit mauzac, it is ample, pure, fat with lovely vivacity - very savoury and very well made. A nervous and seductive white wine.
DE TIJD, Belgium; Frank van der Auwera's Bottle of the Week:
"Een originele, hyperfrisse wijn. Schitterende strogele kleurspiegel met groene glans, kristal-helder. Boeket nog relatief gesloten, maar toch al met perzik en groene pruim, lichtjes floraal. In de mond bijzonder pittig en fris, met impressies van groene en gele pruimen, perzik en mineralen, levendig qua aciditeit. De eik is absoluut niet dominant. Nog enorm strak en vif, maar uit ervaring weet ik dat deze cuvée prima kan verouderen en pas dan zijn complexiteit toont."
"An original, hyper-fresh wine. Gorgeous green-sheened straw-yellow in colour, crytal clear. Bouquet a bit closed, but still with peach and green plums, lightly floral. In the mouth, very feisty and fresh, with impressions of green and yellow plums, peaches and minerals, lively in acidity. Oak absolutely not dominant. I know from experience that this cuvée ages well, and then its true complexity will express itself."
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Gerbelle & Maurange :
Franc, croquant, avec une fraîcheur citronnée
FINANCIELE DAGBLAD Hubrecht Duijker :
"... milde roosteraroma's en andere houtinvloeden heel beheerst aanwezig zijn en de bijna gulle smaak vooral getypeerd wordt door sappig fruit van witte vruchten en citrus"
... gentle smoke aromas and other influences from the wood are very discreet, so that the generous taste is primarily driven by the juicy fruit flavours of citrus and white fruits
JANCIS ROBINSON
Green tinge. Interesting, correct varietal expression with real verve on the finish. Apples and density and great balance. Really tastes relaxed and as though it belongs here. Good individuality. 13% 16.5 Drink 2009-12
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
This cuvée, 100% Mauzac, is sourced from a 2 hectare plot just below the main plain where majority of the Rives-Blanques vines sit. The plot is nearing agriculture biologique certification. Fermented and raised in oak, for 6 months in total, with bâtonnage twice per week. The label declares Nostra terra mentis pas (our soil doesn't lie). Very aromatic on the nose, with white peach and other stone fruits. A lovely, full style on the palate, better defined than the VdP above. Full, fresh, substantial but dry and fresh. A good example of this indigenous variety. 16.5+/20 (July 2009)
GAMBERO ROSSO by Giuseppi Carrus (April 2010)
" Al naso emergono note de cereali, albicocca e frutta secca. In bocca è ricco carnoso, ma mostra mineralità e fresschezza che lo rendono nitido, pulito e dalla beva elegante."
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Lots of intensity! Perfumed, like burying your nose in yellow mimosa blossoms. Minerality and lemon citrus with honey-tinged saffron and acacia, gorse flowers and delicate spice. Quite defined texture, almost tactile. So unusual. Richly curved and creamy but finishing long and lifted and fine. I know I get a bit romantic, but sipping this is like turning the pages of an ancient story book complete with hand-painted pictures. I fell in love with this wine! (TC)
VINUM MAGAZINE GERMANY (May 2010)
Verfuehrerische Aromatik, zeigt Fuelle, endet angenehm fruchtig und mineralisch. Zuverlaessig und gefaellig. 2010-2012
GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Bettane & Desseauve
Limoux avec une acidité épurée, long et fin. La finale est soutenue par une pointe d'amertume présente.
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
Limoux apparaît ici sur des touches de fruits blancs pochés et de miel d'acacia. La bouche se remarque par son amplitude et un fumé délicat délivrant une minéralité séduisante.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2009 (AOC Limoux Mauzac)
DE DUIZEND VAN DUIJKER by Hubrecht Duijker
... de milde roosteraroma's en andere houtinvloeden zijn heel beheerst, en de bijna gulle smaak wordt vooral getypeerd door sappig fruit van witte vruchten en citrusfruit.
THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
This is 100% Mauzac, once again fermented and aged for 6 months in oak barrels. The aromas suggest very ripe/cooked apples, spices, vanilla and cream. The palate is bone dry and quite neutral (i.e. not overtly fruity) but nevertheless very “winey”, with a refreshing zestiness and minerality. Long, too.
DECANTER MAGAZINE (February 2011)
Pear, apple and floral notes on both nose and palate. Barrel fermentation gives a smooth, round, supple texture. Dry finish. (***)
ANDREWJEFFORD.COM By Andrew Jefford (February 2011)
Fresh, light scents: apple blossom, cucumber, celery. On the palate, fresh, acidic, tonic, with a prim, mineral-salt finish. Taste this, and you suddenly realise why sparkling wines make sense around here. It's not that it's been short of hang-time: the alcohol is 13.5%. The eight months in (seasoned) oak and twice-weekly batonnage have brushed a kiss across the surface of the wine, yet so gothic and upright is its spirit that you might never even notice. A fascinating curiosity.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES
Very pale. Vital, green aromas - very fresh and beautifully tense. Lots of acidity. Quite long. Seems as though it lasts quite well. (16pts)
STEVEN SPURRIER DECANTER MAGAZINE (Steven Recommends ...)
A fine example of the mauzac grape, planted only in Limoux and nearby Gaillac and used mostly to give acidity to the local sparkling wines: lovely florality and fresh apple fruit, refreshing and original.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2010 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
A pure Mauzac, from grapes that are picked at the end of the harvest, so three weeks than for the sparkling wine. Caryl is very enthusiastic about Mauzac; she loves it and people had stopped making it. ‘It’s a real Cinderella’, and not really appreciated, so they decided to have a go at a still Mauzac back in 2003 and it has now become a regular part of their repertoire, but so far only one other producer has followed their example. The wine has only just been bottled, so oak does dominate the palate for the moment, but with a satisfying mouthful, with good acidity, a herbal hint and some nutty notes. It will be intriguing to see how it develops.
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
100% Mauzac, aged in older oak barrels. There is actually some creamy, quite coconutty oak showing at the moment, but with bags of exotic fruit salad aromas. The palate has real depth and complexity - lime, apple, peach and apricot flavours, with soft spices and a touch of herbiness thrown in for good measure. Rich and delicate at the same time, and with really excellent length. A pure Mauzac table wine is a rare beast, even in Limoux, but this one doesn't need bubbles to show its class.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Ne manque pas de finesse et de fraicheur dans ses saveurs de poire.
SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS (GOLD MEDAL)
Perfume and a 'beautiful structure' won the day with this elegant white. A fresh nose of nectarines and fresh citrus mingles with mimosa blossom, nuts and a light butteriness, while the multi-layered palate is long and well balanced. Think Dover Sole or other aristocratic white fish.
GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2013
D'une couleur paille claire, le nez possede une grande finesse aromatique. Notes citronnées en bouche. Elégant par sa fraicheur, ce vin ne manque pas de droiture.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2011 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (Best Bottles of Vintage 2011, barrel sample)
Ce pur mauzac évoque la pomme verte; la matiere est droite, tendue, stricte, mais élancée
LEON STOLARSI
Mauzac. Quite oaky on the nose, but with plenty of orange blossom, fruit and herby notes too. Rich and again oaky on the palate, but nicely integrated.
HET LAATSTE NIEUWS (Xtra) Luc Meyermans, Belgium
Fris geschonken, ontwikkelt de Occitania fijne aroma's van lindebloesem en acacia, groene appel en kweepeer. Behoorlijk mollig maar ook fris complex, uitmondend in een aangename afdrink.
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
A vibrant, pale straw gold here. Fresh orchard fruits on the nose, lightly polished with the grey sheen of oak. Very stylish, feeling rather harmonious. A full, supple, fleshy and yet also bright and defined character on the palate. There is a good texture to it, with a good weight of fruits, partly from the orchard, partly citrus, but certainly fresh and defined. Plenty of good depth and substance here; a rich and characterful rather than delicate wine. This feeling is reinforced by a pithy bite to it in the end which I like, a bright and crunchy grip, and a long finish. 16.5/20 (December 2012)
GUIDE HUBERT 2013 (Pierre Casamayor)
Un nez de poire au four, miel, fleurs blanches. Bouche ronde, avec une
matiere mure et épicée, une finale grillée, presque structurée. Pour une volaille au four.
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2014 LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE
au relief citronné empreint d'une fine amertume
KLM WORLD BUSINESS CLASS MENU:
Occitania is made from barrel-fermented regional mauzac. The 2011 vintage has quite a full taste, with juicy notes of pear and mild citrus, while also offering some nuttiness and a touch of vanilla and a soft spiciness.
GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT GERBER 2014
J'ai beaucoup apprécié cette cuvée, ou s'entremelent des notes d'amande, de peche et bruyere, vraiment réussi, harmonieux en bouche.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2012 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
LABORATOIRE MARC DUBERNET
Nez à la fois vanillé, de fruits à chair blanche (poire), bouche équilibrée avec une bonne présence.
JANCIS ROBINSON, PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
Wine making rather trumps the fruit here. Mauzac is quite a delicate grape is I do wonder whether this heavy oaking is to its advantage. A green edginess. Refreshing and very accomplished smooth texture. Very tangy. Long. Still quite chewy on the finish.
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW Taste Languedoc (Feb. 2014)
Lightly grassy, rounded nose. A nicely textured palate, with youthfully layers of flavour.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2015
Occitania 2012 s'exprime avec subtilité
GUIDE DES VINS BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2015
Couleur paille, boisé élégant, belle matière, fruit préservé. Note: 14.0
Apogée: de 2014 à 2018
GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT GERBER 2015
Parfumé, aux connotations florales, de finale ronde, allie intensité et souplesse.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS Bronze medal
Fresh nose of walnuts and oak. Creamy vanilla oak characters with green apple and a firm mineral finish.
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus (85 pts)
This offers plenty of citrusy notes to its green apple and unripe melon flavors, with green herbal details appearing on the finish. Drink now. 700 cases made. –KM
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2013 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
Jancis Robinson MW Purple Pages September 2014
Very crisp, bright fruit. Very pure apple-skion aromas with a suggestion of icing sugar. Pure and super-clean. Wonderfully precise textbook example of Mauzac Blanc. I may well have underestimated this wine's life expectancy. 16.5. Drink to 2016
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES September 2015 (16.5 pts)
Gently creamy oak aroma intertwined with fresh apple and pear, a touch of cedar, deliciously fragrant. Rich and generous on the palate, the oak felt more in a creamy caressing texture than in oak flavour. Delicious sour-fresh finish. (JH) Drink 2015-2017
FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN WINE.COM Richard Mark James
Fairly voluptuous and oily then turning steely, creamy and lush vs fresher side to finish; lovely wine and different too.
THE WINE ADVOCATE (ROBERT PARKER) Jeb Dunnuck 88 pts
Made from local Mauzac variety, this offers a fruity, supple style to go with lots of melon, white peach and citrus blossom on the nose. It has vibrant acidity and good purity, and should drink nicely for a couple of years (I suspect, as I have zero experience with the age-ability of this variety).
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2016 La Revue du Vin de France
Plus en finesse, Occitania retranscrit le toucher particulier du mauzac, peu acide, sutilement amer, c'est une réussite. 14.5
WINE SPECTATOR (GS) 88 pts
Appealing, with a green apple note rounded out by underlying honey and pear cobbler nuances.
A creamy edge is well-matched by fresh acidity. Honeysuckle, spice and white blossom details emerge on the finish.
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2014 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Juin 2015 Sélection du Millésime 2014:
De la gourmandise, du gras, de la matiere. De fines notes poivrées évoquent l'angélique confite. C'est l;'un de meilleurs blancs de l'année à Limoux, et c'est un pur mauzac! (14.5-15) Un des 10 bouteilles à boire sur le fruit.
LA MARSELLAISE Par Pierre Galaud (16 July 2015)
Cette uvée est le fruit du seul Mauzac. Un vin tranquille assez rare vendangé en sur maturité. C'est plein, profond, tres bien fait ne concédant que peu de place au bois et doté d'une belle fraicheur minérale. Remarquable!
FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN WINE.COM Richard Mark James
Aromatic and clean, lots of sweet citrus and peach with buttery edges, attractive crisp bite.
GUIDE HUBERT 2016 (Pierre Casamayor, Nadine Adenis)
"Un nez floral de miel d'acacia, de la fraicheur d'eucalyptus et une touche de citron. De la vivacité en bouche, et une matiere feutrée avec une trame citronnée jusqu'en finale avec une note grillée."
CUVEE OCCITANIA 2015 (AOC Limoux mauzac)
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Juin 2016 Spécial Millésime 2015 Les Meilleurs Vins de l'Année
Pur mauzac aux belles notes de tilleul, d'angélique, de poivre. Original et sapide, il conserve une appréciable fraicheur.
THE SCOTSMAN Food & Drink Brian Elliott, June 2016
Frankly superb. Its light, perfumed, peach components (vaguely resembling viognier but with less viscosity) are embellisehd by mint, nutmeg and a firm prickle of apple acidity.
THE SIMPLE SOMMELIER Maxwell Allwell July 2016
In many ways this is the most interesting wine in this producer’s range of Limoux AOP wines. It is composed entirely of Mauzac (an ancient local variety which is rarely seen as the sole component of a still wine) from a single 2ha vineyard block. The vines are old at 55 years, so they don’t yield much, but the fruit they do produce is pretty special. 2015 looks like a good year for this wine. I found it to be aromatically on point, distinctive of Mauzac with notes of sweet apple, blossom and apricot. It smells riper than other recent vintages, with some hints of tropical fruit too, complimented with a little sweet spice from the oak. On the palate it has great concentration and complex fruit, tasting almost like preserved apricots, lemon curd and sweet pear. Delicious and esoteric, I can’t see many people not enjoying this once they discover it.
LE LIMOUX 2010 (AOC Limoux blend)
DE VOLKSKRANT: Onno Kleyn
Een Chardonnay uit het Zuid-Franse Limoux is het, maar eentje die geurt en smaakt als een witte Bourgogne. Het is een wijn die ver is uitgestegen boven enkelvoudige aanduidingen als ‘ruikt naar perzik’. Hij heeft zoveel aan boord dat de kenners fronsend uitkomen op ‘complex’. Dat betekent niet moeilijk, maar rijk geschakeerd. Dit is voorname wijn, trillend als een espenblad, met boventonen als de viool van Janine Jansen. Hoor ik daar nu Mozart? Nee, het is Poulenc.
HUBRECHT DUIJKER http://hubrechtduijker.com/actueel-maandmagazine/
Een innovatie als vondst is Le Limoux 2010 van Château Rives Blanques. Eigendom van het Nederlandse echtpaar Jan en Caryl Panman. Dat op hun domein voor het eerst drie druivenrassen met elkaar combineerde, uit het aanvankelijk koele oogstjaar 2010. Die variëteiten zijn de regionale mauzac, de chardonnay en de chenin blanc. Het resultaat is een lekkere Limoux, goed gevuld en met elementen van appel/peer/perzik, een toefje zuidvruchten, een klein kruidje en beheerst wat eikenhout.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
Le Limoux offre une matiere franche et une fruit expressif
LE GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2013
Robe dorée. Nez expressifs aux notes florales. Bouche pleine, suave, avec une finale sur des notes vanillées.
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2013
Rond, fruité et subtil, un vin tres aromatique
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
Bottled under screwcap. A very attractive and well defined nose, with bright and expressive fruit, melons and peaches, with minerally, stony, smoky nuances rather than too sweet a character. The palate is full, expressive, and like the nose defined and bright. The texture feels supple, nicely balanced with an underpinning of pithy substance and an appealing, mouth-watering acidity, leading into a firm and grippy finish. A very attractive wine indeed. 15.5/20 (December 2012)
LEON STOLARSKI
A blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. Delightful aromas of honeysuckle, orchard fruits, orange blossom and lime oil, with a strong sense of minerality, along with subtle hints of flowers, herbs and freshly-cut hay. Quite rich and intensely fruity on entry, with a touch of earthiness and gentle orangey acidity, countered by strong minerality and a delightful pithiness at the end. Barrel fermentation (as is the rule for all AOC Limoux wines) has imparted a gentle florality and elegance, rather than any overt oakiness. As a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, this is the perfect expression of what the still white wines of Limoux are all about - and is absolutely delicious.
THE INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER MARCH 9, 2013
Oak cask fermentation adds Burgundian-style complexity to this chardonnay with stonefruit richness and a clean streak of freshness.
JANCIS ROBINSON 16 pts (Tasted November 2013)
Light nose and well integrated. Relatively complex but not given away! 13.5%
LE LIMOUX 2011 (AOC Limoux blend)
GUIDE GILBERT & GAILLARD 2014 (Gold Medal)
Robe or clair. Joli nez d'amande, de chevrefeuille, touche miellée. Bouche souple, ronde, expressive. Belle fraichure d'ensemble, parfums nets et typés. Un Limoux racé, à apprécier sur une blanquette de veau.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2013
Lifted ripe melons, lemon with hints of orange. Floral and herbal. Refreshing finish.
DAILY TELEGRAPH UK Victoria Moore (March 21, 2013)
Layered - made from chenin blanc, chardonnay and mauzac - a local grape that adds appley bite and quickness like a fish leaping in a stream.
LE LIMOUX 2012 (AOC Limoux blend)
LABORATOIRE MARC DUBERNET
Nez de fruits mûrs, bouche ample et charnue.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (September 2013)
Pale lemon straw. The richness of the oaked chardonnay dominates although there is attractive citrus acidity on the finish more reminiscent of Chenin. And a smoky overlay may just be Mauzac. An attractive blend with impressive persistence. Quite a mouthful - a food wine! Medium body and some real structure.
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE 2014 Jury's comment (silver medal)
Ripe, soft, creamy, apple flavours. Polished finish
BURGHOUND Allen Meadows October 2014
A whiff of oak sets off the ripe but agreeably fresh nose of white peach, pear, apple and citrus nuances. The wood is also present if discreetlly, on the the delicious, opulent and viscous medium weight flavors that possess reasonably good depth and length. this is actually quite good and could even be held for a year if desired. Excellent value and this would make a good all-round house white. Recommended. 87 pts.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS (Bronze medal)
Delicate floral nose with a touch of apple. Ripe fruit in the mouth of dried melon and pineapple. Elegant with a zesty lemon acidity on the finish.
LE LIMOUX 2013 (AOC Limoux blend)
Jancis Robinson Purple Pages September 2014
No obvious oak on this crisp mountain wine. Lees stirring twice weekly but that isn't obvious either - all done with a light hand. Very perky and refreshing. NIcely balanced and will probably come into its mellow own towards the end of 2014. Finely etched without any single variety too obvious. 16.5 Drink to 2017.
Jancis Robinson Purple Pages September 2015 (16.5 pts)
40% Chenin Blanc, 40% Chardonnay, 20% Mauzac.
Nettles, cigar smoke and grapefruit - quite particular! There's a sort of Sauvignon sweatiness too. Altogether unconventional, and enjoyable for precisely that reason. (RH)
WINE ADVOCATE (ROBERT PARKER) Jeb Dunnuck (89 pts)
This is a solid blend of 50% chardonnay, 30% chenin blanc and 20% mauzac that spent 7 months in barrel prior to bottling. Racy, medium-bodied and decidedly fresh, it gives up lots of green citrus and tropical aromas and flavors. While this doesn't the complexity of depth of the top two cuvées, it's a great drink. These new releases from Chateau Rives-Blanques are some of the top whites reviewed for this Languedoc report. They also represent terrific values
WINE SPECTATOR (85 pts)
Crisp and fresh, this has appealing apple and melon flavors that are flanked by light spice and floral notes. Clean finish. GS
LE LIMOUX 2014 (AOC Limoux blend)
WINE SPECTATOR
(GS)
The moderate pear and apple flavors are complemented by herb and spice undertones. Offers a clean, spiece-tinged finish. Drink now. (84 pts)
LA FEUILLE DE VIGNE (3 Nov 2015)
Le chardonnay est le cépage principal, mais cette cuvée fait également la part belle au chenin et au mauzac, pour un ensemble d'un équilibre tres réussi. reflect des 3 cépages de l'appellation. On y trouve des agrumes, une fraicheur et une acidité qui ne sont pas sans rappeler le chenin, ainsi que des notes subtiles de fruits tropicaux, et une touche d'herbes aromatiuqes et de pomme confite. On ne vous cache pas qu'à l'aveugle, quasiment impossible d'identifier le vin ...
LA TRILOGIE 2005 (AOC Limoux blend)
LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:
Un Limoux aux aromes de fleurs, suave et puissant, d'une très belle persistance aromatique en bouche.
A Limoux with aromas of flowers, smooth and powerful, with great aromatic persistence in the mouth
LE POINT 6 September 2007 - Olivier Bompas:
"Mandarin, stewed fruits, unctuous and fresh, round, mineral freshness, long, a real thoroughbred."
Mandarine, fruits confits, onctueux et frais, gras, fraîchure minérale, long et racé
LA TRILOGIE 2005 (AOC Limoux blend)
LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:
Un Limoux aux aromes de fleurs, suave et puissant, d'une très belle persistance aromatique en bouche.
A Limoux with aromas of flowers, smooth and powerful, with great aromatic persistence in the mouth
LE POINT 6 September 2007 - Olivier Bompas:
"Mandarin, stewed fruits, unctuous and fresh, round, mineral freshness, long, a real thoroughbred."
Mandarine, fruits confits, onctueux et frais, gras, fraîchure minérale, long et racé
LA TRILOGIE 2006 (AOC Limoux blend)
LE GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2009, Bettane & Desseauve:
Le nez est pur et la finale délicate, citronnée, sur l'amande amère. L'ensemble est rafraîchissant avec une élégance raffinée
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009, Olivier Poussier:
Les notes exotiques du chenin répondent aux saveurs florales du chardonnay, sur les fondations d'un mauzac sans pesanteur. La balance de l'élevage, entre le bois et la cuve, participe à l'harmonie de ce blanc aromatique et charnu.
GUIDE DES VINS 2009 GILBERT GAILLARD :
Robe d'un jaune clair lumineux. Nez expressif mêlant notes florales, citronnées et minérales. Un style opulent, gras, fondu. Un vin blanc riche à déguster sur un poisson cuisiné ou une viance blanche.
A light yellow, luminous robe. Nose: expressive, mixing floral, lemony and mineral notes. Opulent and round. A rich white wine, to accompany fish and white meats.
LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - Antoine Gerbelle :
Jamais cet assemblage de chenin, chardonnay, et mauzac n'a possédé autant d'équilibre. Les notes exotiques du chenin répondent aux saveurs florales du chardonnay sur les fondations d'un mauzac apaisé
Never has there been such a successfully balanced blend of chardonnay, chenin and mauzac. The exotic notes of chenin answer the floral tones of chardonnay, on a calm foundation of mauzac.
GUIDE DES VINS 2009 DE PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:
Aux aromes de fleurs, suave et puissant, d'une belle persistence aromatique.
GUIDE HUBERT 2008 - Pierre Casamayor:
Un nez subtile, avec des notes de coing, pêche blanche, tisane, boisées. La bouche a du gras, une belle expression aromatique, de la fraîchure.
A subtle nose, with notes of quince, white peaches, herbal tea. Rich in the mouth with a lovely aromatic expression, fresh
INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION - Judges Verdict:
Lemony yellow pale colour. Lovely nose, juicy fat grainy white pear and almond biscuit. Rich clean fruit aromas with sweet oak. Medium weight palate leads to an elegant and stylish long finish.
LEKKER 2009 - Gert Crum:
Hij heeft sap en frisheid, biedt veel relief, en heeft fijne lengte ... mijn ontdekking van 2008
Fruity and fresh on many levels, with great length - my discovery of 2008
LE PROGRES (LYON) - Yves Espaignet :
Cet assemblage de Chardonnay, du cépage traditionnel Mauzac et de Chenin est délicat à construire mais un coup d'audace réussi avec des sensations onctueuses, épicées et des arômes complexes de sous bois et de vanille. Le boisé est à peine perceptible. Un vin pour les réveillons
Un vin difficile à trouver car à peine 2600 bouteilles produites.
“...difficult to put together, but a daring success: smooth , creamy and spicy sensations, very
complex aromas, underpinned by hardly noticeable wood”.
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus (83 pts)
This has tropical fruit and ripe apple flavors,w ith a tight, smoky finish.
LA TRILOGIE 2007
GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2010 - Bettane & Desseauve :
Cette cuveé est construite sur une base de trois cépages bien implantes en Limouxin, le chenin, le chardonnay et le mauzac. Le nez est pur et la finale délicate, citronnée, sur l'amande amère. L'ensemble est rafraîchissant avec une élégance raffinée, tendue.
JANCIS ROBINSON
Amazingly, the Mauzac seems to dominate the nose, but perhaps that is just because it is the least familiar to me. Good balance, just off dry and quite tangy. I could imagine this with a good paté... That hint of sweetness needs something to offset it. 13% 16 Drink 2009-11
LA TRILOGIE 2008
www.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
Only bottled two weeks ago, this is a blend of all three Limoux varieties, with 50% Chardonnay, the remainder Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. It is selected from the best barrels and then blended. Obviously youthful on the nose, with sweet and aromatic fruit with a pear character. The palate is really very good; full and sweetly endowed, with notes of jasmine over the pear fruit. Elegant,floral, balanced and aromatic, with a little meatiness towards the end, this is very good indeed. 17-17.5+/20 (July 2009)
... retasted in July 2012: Perhaps the domaine’s most successful wine, this is a blend of the three varieties of Limoux, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. There is also some oak here too, as evident on the nose, which although attractive with its sweet citrus tones reminiscent of orange zest and orange oils, rich and defined, there are also cashew nut edges from the barrels. I also find some peachy notes, and a scented character, giving it a very lightly musky edge, as well as hints of acacia. On the palate it has a sense of tense, structured poise, with lightly pithy fruit, dry and grippy, with good fruit texture. There is still quite some grip reflecting the oak élevage here. And it is still very primary, at not-quite four years of age. Clearly there is some serious potential for further development here, a thought reinforced by the wine’s sappy, lengthy, grippy finish. This is one that should have been left in the cellar.
GUIDE DES VINS DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2010 - Gerbelle & Maurange :
approfondit avec succès la veine des précédents millésimes en alliant volume, tonicité et equilibre. La fraîcheur et la précision du millésime en blanc lui vont admirablement.
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2011
Robe or clair, brillante. Nez fin mêlant fleurs blanches, amande, fruits à chair blanche. Belle ampleur dès l'attaque, très jolie fraîcheur, un vin blanc plein et aérien affichant une belle persistance. Beau vin de gastronomie
Brilliant light gold colour. Delicate nose with a blend of white flowers, almond and white flesh fuits. Instantly full on the attack, wonderful freshness. A full, ethereal wine, displaying great length. Perfectly suited to formal meals.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Pale gold, and the heady perfume surges out of the glass. Gleaming fruit. Rich and powerful and utterly delicious. A nuttiness with firm acidity, there are layers and layers here; mango notes overlay creme brûlée, a shimmer of spice, the merest brush of chantilly cream. Yet for all that there is still beautiful definition. Complete. (TC)
INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Pear drop nose with a crunchy citrus palate. Intense with a nice ripe apple fruit finish
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
La Trilogie livre un partition qui laisse venir des notes de coing, de bois fumé et de craie. La bouche est juste solaire et charnue, avec une find fraîchure.
LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Matière étonnante d intensité; un peu marquée par le bois, mais l ensemble est de qualité
LA TRILOGIE 2009
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
No prizes for working out that Trilogie means all three white grape varieties of Limoux. The proportions vary with the vintage, but Mauzac accounts for about half the blend in 2009, while the 2010 includes more Chardonnay. Quite rounded; quite textured palate, youthful with layers of flavour and depth and a hint of honey on the finish
LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
D`une couleur paille, vin possedant un nez très aromatique. La bouche est développée avec de la densité, mais il y un peu de sécheresse en finale à ce jour
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Conjuge volume et allonge, avec des touches finement épicées et un bel équilibre.
LA TRILOGIE 2010
JANCIS ROBINSON (Purple Pages October 2012)
Ch Rives-Blanques, La Trilogie 2010 Limoux 17 Drink 2012-2014
Blend of Chardonnay, Mauzac and Chenin Blanc. Very lively mineral blend with great crisp green apple acidity, mouthfilling fruit. Real personality and integrity. Bracing with great balance and persistence. 13.5%
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
A blend of Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Complex and very winey on the nose, with notes of Calvados, apple pie, cloves and herbs, and with oak very much in the background. Apple and peach flavours on the palate. Really quite refined and complex - and very persistent. Lovely.
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
La Trilogie montre en 2010 un supplément de volume et d'allonge, tres apprétant dans ses saveurs de pamplemousse jaune.
LE GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2013
Osmose réussit entre les trois cépages, chardonnay, chenin et mauzac, composant cette cuvée. Un nez expressif, une bouche grasse, suave et énergique donnant un vin complet et généreux.
ECLAIRCISSAGE Singapore Wine Blogger Chek
Made from separately vinified Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. Fermented and aged in oak. Restrained dried apple, citrus and melon notes. Very elegant and layered, pinpoint balance with a long finish. Very impressive.
WINE XIN - THE BLABBER SIngapore Wine Blogger
The crème de la crème white wine from Rives Blanques portfolio. A mixture of individually vinified chardonnay, chenin blanc and mauzac resulted in a beautiful mix of apple aroma supplemented with light touch of honey note. The palate was balanced by juicy texture and acidity that carried the wine from beginning to end.
LA TRILOGIE 2012
JANCIS ROBINSON MW
This seems more refreshing and lively than Le Limoux blend of the same varieties, but with Chardonnay dominating. Very charming with real drive and balance. The Chenin drives the whole with Chardonnay providing mere balance. Lovely texture yet again. Still pretty youthful on the nose - a hint of green apples - but I would bet it will develop beautifully. 16.5 Drink 2013 - 2017
WINE ADVOCATE Jeb Dunnuck 89 pts
A beautifully done white, the 2012 Limoux Blanc La Trilogie (54% Chenin Blanc, 36% Chardonnay and the balance Mauzac) gives up crisp citrus and lemony notes in its medium-bodied, pure and vibrant profile. Gaining richness in the glass, it will be versatile on the dinner table and drink nicely for a year or two.
GILBERT & GAILLARD GUIDE 2015 89 Gold medal
Robe jaune soutenu. Nez boisé vanillé associant parfums de fruits secs et de fleurs blanches. Bouche ample, généreuse, s'ouvrant peu à peu sur le fruit. Matiere moelleuse, gourmande. Ses multiples saveurs conviendrant à un poisson en sauce.
Deep yellow. Vanilla oak on the nose combining perfumes of dried fruits and white flowers. Full, generous palate graduallyy opening up to fruit. Mellow flavoursome mouthfeel. A multi-faceted flavour profile makes it a good partner for fish in a sauce.
CONCOURS GÉNÉRAL PARIS: Médaille d'or / Gold medal
Nez intense, taosté, fruité, clémentine, long/ Intense nose, toasty, fruit, mandarin, long.
TERRE DE VINS Mai-Juin 2014: Les 20 Meilleurs Blancs du Languedoc
Avec un léger perlant, ce vin conserve une bonne fraicheur, un ton affable, du caractere. Sa puissance se dévoile par petites touches, tout en restant tonique et droit. Parfait sur des ris de veau à la creme.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2015
La Trilogie 2012 assemble les trois c,épages dans une cuvée savoureuse qui conserve une appréciable fraicheur, malgré un élevage plus marqué
GUIDE DES VINS 2015 BETTANE & DESSEAUVE
Beau floral, de la droiture assortie d’une grande fraîcheur. Note: 15.5
Apogée: de 2014 à 2018
Prix: 23.00€
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES September 2014
Very broad and satisfying. The undertow is barrel-fermented Chardonnay but there is the intersting overlay of steely chenin and some creaminess of texture. The Mauzac seems a very minor ingredient in this particular bottling. Really satisfying mouthful with great presence and persistence that seems to have years ahead of it. Very much of the high-altitude Limoux hills. Drink to 2019 16.5
BURGOUND Allen Meadows October 2014
Here too there is a whiff of wood framing the nose that is comprised of petrol, white orchard fruit and soft floral nuances. There is fine volume to the round and vibrant middle wight flavors that possess good detail and on the nicely complex finish that delivers fine length on the mildly oaky finish. This isn't especially refined but there is certainly fine depth and persistence. This too delivers fine value. 88 pts
GUIDE HUBERT 2015 Pierre Casamayor
Des notes de coing, poire, avec des notes grillées et minérales, une touche miellée. Bouche mature, avec une belle nervosité citronnée, une finale surf la minéralité. Un vin bien tendu pour une morue à la languedocienne.
DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS (Silver medal)
Inviting nose of marmalade, lemon and spice. Ripe tropical fruits with layers of passion fruit, peach and spiced lemon. Structured and complex with an underlying oak influence and a firm appealing finish.
WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus (87 pts)
A ripe, buttery white, with candied apricot and apple pastry flavors that feature notes of dried tarragon. Ginger snap hints mark the finish. Drink now. 200 cases made.
GUIDE HACHETTE 2016
46% Chardonnay, 37% chenin blanc et mauzac compose ce Limoux séducteur par son bouquet de fleur d'acia, de poire et de cire abeille. Le chardme continue d'opérer dans une bouche ronde, suave et broiché de prime abord, avant d'évoluer jusqu'en finale sur une trame plus fine, fruitée (agrumes) et minérale.
LA TRILOGIE 2013
DECANTER ASIA AWARDS Judges comment:
A soft floral nose with hints of ripe stone fruit which follow through well on to the palate.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2016 La Revue du Vin de France
La Trilogie synthétise cette année avec bonheur les caracteres des trois cépages, meme si le charnu exotique d'un chardonnay de belle maturité en la matrice. 15.5
REGAL Sébastien Durand-Viel
Notes de ruit blanc, d'epices douces et d'agrume, de la metiere et une fraicheur étonante. Un vin à déguster avec un foie aux raisins.
GUIDE HUBERT DES VINS Pierre Casamayor / Nadine Adenis.
TÉNOR DE L'ANNÉE 
Blanc sec La Trilogie 2013
Le nez est riche, du miel, du pralin, du beurre frais, de la pomme, de la poire, une touche de fruits secs, figue et abricots. Une complexité qu'on retrouve en bouche avec de la nervosité et du charme, acidulé et épices douces. Le grand vin du Château mérite bien sa place. Avec une blanquette de lotte au citron.
PERSWIJN March April 2016 - 5 stars
abrikozen, vanille, vol en weelderig, fijne zuren en bitters, mooie lengte en spanning.
WINE ADVOCATE April 2016 (91 points) by Jeb Dunnuck
An outstanding blend that was brought up in 30% new barrels. It has the most minerality of the three (Dédicace and Odyssée) as well as outstanding notes of green herbs, mint, green citrus and juicy apples. Clean, pure, balanced, and with a clean, dry finish, it will be versatile on the dinner table and should have an interesting evolution over the next 4 - 5 years.
LA TRILOGIE 2013
DECANTER ASIA AWARDS Judges comment:
A soft floral nose with hints of ripe stone fruit which follow through well on to the palate.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2016 La Revue du Vin de France
La Trilogie synthétise cette année avec bonheur les caracteres des trois cépages, meme si le charnu exotique d'un chardonnay de belle maturité en la matrice. 15.5
REGAL Sébastien Durand-Viel
Notes de ruit blanc, d'epices douces et d'agrume, de la metiere et une fraicheur étonante. Un vin à déguster avec un foie aux raisins.
GUIDE HUBERT DES VINS Pierre Casamayor / Nadine Adenis.
TÉNOR DE L'ANNÉE
Blanc sec La Trilogie 2013
Le nez est riche, du miel, du pralin, du beurre frais, de la pomme, de la poire, une touche de fruits secs, figue et abricots. Une complexité qu'on retrouve en bouche avec de la nervosité et du charme, acidulé et épices douces. Le grand vin du Château mérite bien sa place. Avec une blanquette de lotte au citron.
PERSWIJN March April 2016 - 5 stars
abrikozen, vanille, vol en weelderig, fijne zuren en bitters, mooie lengte en spanning.
WINE ADVOCATE April 2016 (91 points) by Jeb Dunnuck
An outstanding blend that was brought up in 30% new barrels. It has the most minerality of the three (Dédicace and Odyssée) as well as outstanding notes of green herbs, mint, green citrus and juicy apples. Clean, pure, balanced, and with a clean, dry finish, it will be versatile on the dinner table and should have an interesting evolution over the next 4 - 5 years.
LA TRILOGIE 2014
THE SIMPLE SOMMELIER Maxwell Allwood July 2016
The final wine is their top wine, a little bit more expensive than the others and a lot more limited in quantity. Rather than being the product of a single vineyard, it is a selection of the barrels of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, that they feel are most interesting. It is a wine that is intended to show the best of its respective vintage, so the proportions of Chenin/Chardonnay/Mauzac vary with each vintage, and it isn’t made every year. I can’t find a tech-sheet for the 2014, so I don’t know the exact composition for this tasting, and nor do I know how much new oak was used to raise this wine. Again, I am impressed by this wine. The nose offers up some ripe, almost tropical fruits with notes of sweet apricot, honeysuckle and mango. There is a delicious sweet spice character – cinnamon, vanilla, butter toffee and toasted hazelnuts. These qualities follow onto a concentrated, complex and well-balanced palate that also delivers a bit of stony minerals and hay on the finish. It is a unique wine, perhaps not for every day. I say that not only because it is expensive for me, but also because it is complex and to get the best out of it requires a little bit of time and patience. To wantonly slake your thirst with this wine would be a waste.
Vendange d'Automne 02 'JAN'
CHENIN DU MONDE: Jury's Comment
« La robe brillant couleur jaune d'or intense soutenu aux reflets ambrés s'ouvre sur un nez aux odeurs intenses de fruits exotiques confits, peau d'orange, caramel et notes boisées. La bouche
puissante, au moelleux bien affirmé, agréablement équilibrée par le fruité et la fraîchure, offre une bonne persistance. Beau vin. »
The brilliant, intense yellow gold colour of this wine, reinforced by shots of amber leads to intense aromas of cooked exotic fruits, orange peel, and caramel on the nose. Strong and persistent on the palate, with a happy balance of freshness and fruitiness. A handsome wine.
Vendange d'Hiver 2004 "XAXA"
GUIDE DES VINS 2009 GILBERT & GAILLARD:
Robe dor é soutenu. Nez de raisins confits, légèrement muscaté. La bouche conjugue concentration et élégance sur le même registre friand. Belle longueur et une finale d'abricots secs, d'éxorces d'orange. Un vin original. (87 pts)
Deep gold robe. Nose of jammy raisins, slightly muscaty. The mouth unites concentration and elegance on the same gastronomic level. Good length finishing in dried apricots and orange rind. An original wine.
1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM:
Un vin remarkable. Les senteurs de miel alternent avec des parfums de résine, c’est très fin. La saveur d’écorce d’orange donne de l’élégance à cette belle réalisation. A aucun moment il n’y a de la lourdeur et c’est un bonheur que cette finale de tarte sablée.
Conservation : A boire dans les 6 ans
EGMONT LABADIE:
Le nez début sur des arômes de maturité, de figue, voire de chocolat, avant de passer à l'abricot, avec une pointe alcoolique, et une légère acidité volatile. L'attaque est confite, avec une très jolie saveur d'abricot, de prune, légère, authentique. Il n'y a pas de lourdeur sucrée, la mâche, minérale, est très bonne, elle évoque le zeste de citron confit et la rose.La rétroolfaction est abricotée, légère et savoureuse, en persistance on pense à un abricot bien mûre, de couleur orange foncé.C'est un beau vin moëlleux à la limite du liquoreux, simple dans ses arômes, mais très pur, très décontracté, très agréable à boire, avec une élégante et guillerette fin acidulée.
JANCIS ROBINSON Smoky, tobacco, not luscious though certainly with a high sugar content but dry on the finish. This is surely for foie gras! Very toasty and clean and refreshing. 14%
GUIDE HUBERT DES VINS Pierre Casamayor
Joli nez miellé, de nougat, de fruits jaunes confits, de noisettes grillées. La bouche est bien équilibrée entre suavité et fraîcheur, avec une finale allongée
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
This curiosity is a late harvest style, 60% Chenin Blanc harvested in November, and 40% Mauzac harvested in January 2005. There is no tradition or recognition of this style in the region, so it is classed as a vin de table . It has 90 g/l of residual sugar. An intense orange-fruit nose, with candied peach and apricot too. Sweet, full, quite elegant, with good acidity and freshness. Firm
with a gentle substance. Really very appealing wine with a sweet, characterful finish. 16+/20 (July 2009)
... retasted in July 2012: The domaine’s sweet wine. A slightly burnished lemon gold hue in the glass, golden but with deep and dusty hints at times. The nose carries some sweetness, with scents reminiscent of lemons and marmalade, the lift of the fresh citrus fruit combining quite nicely with the sweet, lightly perfumed, orange-tinged richness. I find an overt sweetness on the start of the palate, but this is offset by a steely structure and a slightly bitter frame. This persists through the wine, which shows a dusty and very tangible substance in the very middle, a feature which stays alive right through to the finish, where a more savoury, spicy element dominates. The considerable length is where this bitter structure materialises most readily. An attractive wine. 15.5/20
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Deep gold. It smells of golden sultanas and honey, orange and lemon peel. Lovely pithy bitterness with toffee and honey flavours. Very very fresh. Smoky dried fig, toasted cumin and caraway. Dusty carpenter notes on the finish with the echo of lemon peel.
Lagremas d'Aur 2006
ANDREWJEFFORD.COM by Andrew Jefford (February 2011)
Aromatically compelling: rich, ripe melon mixed with lots of waxy honeycomb. It has the kind of balance and appeal of a vin de paille from the Jura … in other words its 70 g/l of sugars are amply and refreshingly matched by vivid, intense acidity. Grape, apple, pear, quince, orange and orange zest, too; not a lot of glycerol, but vinous. A perfect aperitif style: delicious and dangerously sippable.
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
This is late harvest Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, harvested in January. There is a little botrytis, but the grapes are mostly raisined. The name means tears of gold, and you could say, that it is what the wine looks like, with quite a deep golden colour, with fresh honey and barley sugar on the nose, and more on the palate, with some fresh fruit and some roasted hints of botrytis. 70 gms/l residual sugar remains. It is absolutely delicious, and perfect with fruit puddings.
LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Made from late-harvested Chenin Blanc (60%) harvested in November and Mauzac (40%) harvested in November, fermented and aged in oak barrels for 3 years, followed by a further year in bottle before release. As with most (if not all) non-fortified sweet wines made in southern France, there is no AOC, so this qualifies only as a humble Vin de Table. But don't let that fool you, because it is delicious. It is at the same time floral, herby, minerally and crammed full with flavours of tropical fruits, soft citrus, apples, ginger and spice. Although - as with most late-harvested wines - there is a fair degree of natural sweetness, it also possesses a backbone of truly mouth-watering acidity, making for a tremendously sprightly wine, full of freshness and verve. In fact, I would hesitate to call it a full-on sweet wine, because it isn't thick or gloopy or syrupy - or even overtly sweet. Although I am loath to make comparisons, I'd compare it more with a sort of vendange tardive in the Alsace mode, or perhaps even a rich, off-dry botrytis-affected Semillon from the Hunter Valley. There is perhaps a touch of botrytis, as evidenced by a palpable whiff of honey, but any richness is down to paserillé - the drying of the grapes on the vine, prior to harvesting. Whatever the method, it is very more-ish!
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
de bouche puissante et har,onieuse tout en suavité; au nez de druits mûrs; très bien équilibré
LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
Ce vin présente des sucres déja fondus, un peu confits, mais une expression aromatique tres originale de miel d'acacia.
Lagremas d'Aur 2012
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2015
Bénéficiant d'une bonne structure acide et d'une parfait netteté aromatique, ce rich chenin en vendange tardives constitue un exercice de style pleinement réussi.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES October 2014
Showing extremely well, despite its youth. Pale gold. Lightish but very clean honeyed flavours. Went beautifully with a lemon syllabub. 17 pts.
WINE SPECTATOR (GS)
89 pts
Glazed apple, honeycuckle and brown sugar flavors mark this sweetie. Integrated, solid acity keeps this fresh and balanced, with a good dose of floral and spice notes on the finish.
PERSWIJN March/April 2016 4.5 stars
Honing en abrikozen, weelderig en tegelijk mooi fris zoet, fijne zuren en bitters
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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2003
CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES 2004:
« Un vin léger et agréable aux arômes discrets de fruits et d'agrumes que l'on retrouve en bouche. Un vin tout en fraicheur idéal pour l'apéritif.»
A light and agreeable wine with discreet aromas of fruit and citrus which return in the mouth. A fresh wine, ideal as an aperitif.
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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2005
GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT-GERBER 2007:
Frais et fleuri, finement bouqueté, d'une jolie finale en bouche, très agréable
Fresh and floral, with a fine bouquet, a lovely finish, very agreeable.
CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2006
WIJNKOOPGIDS 2007 Frank van der Auwera
Intense sraw-gold in colour, the nose blossoms beautifully, and then smells of white peaches, laurel and nectarines. After that: impressions of mint, garden herbs and a basket full of white provencale peaches, very rich and original. And a different but nice, spicy little kick in a finish full of fruit.
Neem nu deze Zuid-Franse cuvée, afkomstig van een van de oudste domeinen uit de streek met een spectaculair uitzicht op de Pyreneeen, waar men exclusief witte wijn produceert. Deze wijn opent intens strogeel en met een neus die heerlihjk bloesemt en verder geurt naar witte perzik, laurier, en nectarines. Daarna: impressies van munt en tuinkruiden, een mond vol witte en Provencaalse perziken, heel vet en apart. Kruidig staartje. Anders, maak zeker zo lekker, met veel fruitvet. Schenken rond 10C.
CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2007
THE WINE GUIDE by Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier in the World:
Fresh nose, young fruit, citrus and melon, clean and fresh palate, medium length, some structure"
PERSWIJN Oct 08:
Aangenaam, open, fris, bloemig, lichtvoetig en sappig, peer en wat appel, meloen, smakelijk.
(4 stars) Pleasurable, open, fresh, floral, light-footed and juicy, pears and a bit of apple, melon - tasty. (4 stars)
1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM:
Un vin remarkable. La lumière sur le verre éclaire une robe teintée de reflets verts. Les parfums de fleurs d'oranger le disputent aux agrumes. Un vin un peu gras mais sans lourdeur, avec un bon équilibre. Un plaisir que cette saveur florale qui finit sur les fruits secs.Conservation : A boire dans les 3 ans
CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2008
Daily Mirror August 8 2009, Maurice Fitzmaurice
A recession-proof bargain: Light clear colour fresh style, great as an aperitif or with goats cheese, salads and lighter meat and fish dishes.
Tasting Notes from CEES VAN CASTEREN, Dutch wine writer
Helder, lichtgeel en groenglanzend. Rijpe geur van golden delicious, perzikbloesem en klaverhoning. Lichtjes floraal. Ook rond en rijp in de smaak met wederom perziken en abrikoosjes, een mooie fraicheur en lengte. Uitstekend aperitief of bij maaltijdsalades, pasta's en geroosterde kip met tomaatjes, tijm en gesmoorde ui.
Clean, green-glazed light yellow in colour. Rich aromas of golden delicious apples, peach blossom and clover honey. A floral touch. Also round and ripe in the mouth, with peaches and apricots, good freshness and length. Excellent aperitif wine, also to accompany salad-based meals, pastas, roast chicken with tomatos, thyme and blanched onion.
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
Fermented in steel, with bâtonnage . No oak. Bottled under screwcap. Rather perfumed and floral on the nose, with the suggestion of sweet and plump fruit. Similarly sweetly ripe fruit on the palate, clean, bright, a little herbal. Soft edges. Pear and apple fruit. Nice, easy-drinking wine.
HUBRECHT DUIJKER on www.hubrechtduijker.com
Geurig, sappig, citrus, wit fruit, zachte zuren, een bescheiden kruidigheid.
Aromatic, juicy, citrus, white fruit, soft acidity, restrained spicyness.
Simon Woods on YouTube and www.simonwoods.com
Fresh and slightly yeasty, almost Mâcon-like in style, with appley notes (fresh and cooked), a touch of pear and a creamy finish.
WINE SPECTATOR (Kim Marcus)
Mineral and ripe apple notes dominate this medium-bodied white. Kiwifruit notes mark the finish.
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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2009
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010):
Fruit is clear as a bell on the nose. Ripe and clean and expressive. Tropical notes, rounded, bright and cheerful. Bright citrus and good length. Great Value (TC)
GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Bettane & Desseauve
Blanc racé, avec une finale où s'étirent de beaux amers de pamplemousse et d'agrumes.
GUIDE HACHETTE 2011
C'est un vin floral et fruité, gentiment beurré, qui réalise un bon équilibre entre le gras et l'acidité
MEILLEURS VINS DU FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
Le duo chardonnay-chenin forme ici un vin tendu, bien en chair toutefois mais qui n'oublie pas l'équilibre, avec des touches de pomme cuite et de poire.
DE DUIZEND VAN DUIJKER by Hubrecht Duijker
Een hele lekkere Chardonnay-Chenin Blanc: geurig, sappig,citrus, wit fruit, zachte zuren een bescheiden kruidigheid
THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
Chateau Rives-Blanques Chardonnay du Domaine 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc This is actually Chardonnay, with 15% Chenin Blanc, aged in vats (no oak). Lemony, herby, floral nose, with a hint of pear drops. Fairly full and rich on the palate, with a zesty, limey quality. A touch of pithiness on the finish. Not my favourite style of wine, but well made, and quite long, too.
SALLY EASTON MW on winewisdom.com
Englishwoman Caryl Panman said “every year we try to make a 100% chardonnay, and every year a little chenin just lifts the wine a bit”
Light, with melon and bruised pear flavours. Smooth texture, with good fruit intensity focused on freshness and fruitiness. Nicely appealing, gentle wine of good value.
GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Blanc racé avec une finale où s étirent de beaux amers de pamplemousse et d agrumes
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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2010
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW http://TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
The blend is 90% Chardonnay to 10% Chenin Blanc. The grapes are machine harvested in the middle of the night, around 3 a.m. and then sorted and pressed and the wine bottled after a short élevage in vat. In contrast the appellation regulations for white Limoux demand an élevage in barrel. This is light and buttery, with some understated rounded fruit, a herbal hint and some fresh acidity.
LEON STOLARSKI http:// LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Chardonnay, with 10% Chenin Blanc. A touch of peardrop on the nose to begin with, but this fades into the background to reveal some nice apple and floral notes. Medium-rich, slightly zesty, ripe and with a touch of leesy richness. This is lovely.
GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
D une robe paille claire , ce vin offre une bouche ample, à la matière généreuse , du gras, et de l acidité qui le soutient dans sa longueur.
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
au nez subtile, suave en bouche; bouqueté et ronde avec de notes florale persistantes. Pas de raison de s en priver
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Simple et sans bavures.
WIJNKOOPGIDS 2012 Frank van der Auwera
Na de strogele, nog groenglazende en vooral kirstalheldere kleur volgt een fijn en charmerend boeket, heel espressief, met conferencepeer, nectarine, witte perzik, appelbloesem en citroengras. Ook de smaak bevat pakken nectarine, peer, en witte perzik, is zijdezacht qua textuur, maar wordt opnieuw opgewonden door de citruszeste. Minerale, lange finale.
LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2012
Cette cuvé à la robe pâle et cristalline et au nez complexe de fleurs et de fruits frais. La poire et les agrumes caractérisent le premier nez, puis ce sont les notes de pêche et de fruits éxotiques qui s'impose. La bouche est équilibrée par une belle fraîchure, qui laisse une impression de légerté
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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2011
DAGBLAD DE LIMBURGER Nov 2012:
Mooi strogeel van kleur, straalt hij in het glas. Traant genoegelijk aanlokkelijk. De chenin verwent de neus met lichte tonen van vers gras, groene appel, wat citrus en sprankelende minerale. Voor meloen, vleugjes ananas en honing zorgt de chardonnay. Gezond gemaakt: wellness in de glas en dankzij de zachte prijs ook in de beurs.
THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
Bottled under screwcap. An attractive nose, slightly raw and obvious at first but it soon develops into a more appealing, punchy-fruit character, full of grapefruit and other more subtle citrus fruits, as well as some crunchy, stony, just-ripe pear elements. The palate has all the chutzpah that the nose suggests, with good substance, plenty of confident fruit, a powerful citrus and stone fruit character, showing the bite of pear skin and peach stone at the edge. Nice acidity. Overall, considering the likely price point, a very appealing wine, full of character and life.
A blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc, showing a delightfully pale, watery gold colour. The nose is almost reminiscent of Sauvignon, perhaps even hinting at Riesling, with notes of elderflower, apples, grapes and a rasp of chalky minerality, with tiny hints of basil, orange peel and liquorice. The palate is fresh, tight and zingy, combining zesty lemon, tart apple and soft peach flavours, with herby nuances and bracing, mineral-laden acidity. This is a wonderful example of what Chardonnay (with a touch of Chenin Blanc) is capable of in the higher, cooler reaches of south-west Languedoc. Wonderfully fresh, with genuine elegance.
Chardonnay du Domaine 2012 (Vin de Pays d'Oc)
IGP COLLECTION GOLD MEDAL Jury's comment
Lorsque deux grands cépages s’acclimatent à la nature généreuse du Pays d'Oc, cela donne une cuvée qui a l’art de concilier les extrêmes. Sa vivacité s’entoure d’une rondeur exquise au profit d’un bel équilibre et d’une palette aromatique dans laquelle la poire, la pêche et les agrumes dominent pour une expression gourmande et pleine de fraîcheur.
LEON STOLARSKI A blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc, showing a delightfully pale, watery gold colour. The nose is almost reminiscent of Sauvignon, perhaps even hinting at Riesling, with notes of elderflower, apples, grapes and a rasp of chalky minerality, with tiny hints of basil, orange peel and liquorice. The palate is fresh, tight and zingy, combining zesty lemon, tart apple and soft peach flavours, with herby nuances and bracing, mineral-laden acidity. This is a wonderful example of what Chardonnay (with a touch of Chenin Blanc) is capable of in the higher, cooler reaches of south-west Languedoc. Wonderfully fresh, with genuine elegance.
TERRE DE VINS December 2013
... mêlant agrumes, pêche et poire, est médaille d'Or au sein des Collection et devient ambassadeur du label.
Chardonnay du Domaine 2013 (Vin de Pays d'Oc)
GUIDE DES VINS BETTANE & DESSEAUVE 2015
Beaucoup de présence pour ce blanc aux arômes puissamment fruités et minéraux, à la bouche grasse, ronde, charnue et équilibrée par une grande vivacité.
Jancis Robinson MW Purple Pages Septgember 2014
Something a little soapy about this . Very fresh, crystalline fruit in spades. Very lively even if not that deep flavoured or persistent. Lime fruit on the finish, super clean and bracing. 15.5
IGP COLLECTION 2014 Gold medalist, Jury's comment:
Du chardonnay, oui, mais pas seulement pour cette belle cuvée. Le chenin, autre cépage supremement élégant le complete pour 30%. Plantés tous deux sur les terroirs d'altitude de Limoux, bercés par une influence déjà atlantique, ils livrent le meilleur d'eux-memes! D'une robe dorée aux reflets verts, son nez fin et racé exhale de beaux aromes d'agrumes, de fruits à chair blanche, de verveine et de fleur d'acacia, sur un fond légerement miellé. La bouche vive, nette, ronde, évolue avec droiture et élégance, jusqu'à une longue finale fruitée et fraiche. Un vin en parfaite harmonie avec son environnement.
Yes, it's a chardonnay, but not only. Chenin blanc, another supremely elegant variety makes up 30% of this lovely bottle. Both come from a high-altitude terroir in Limoux, blessed by atlantic influences which brings out the best in them. A golden robe shot with green highlights, a fine nose with lovely aromas of citrus, white fruits, acacia and verbena on a lightly honeyed base. The mouth is lively, clean, round and fresh, evolving with elegance into a long, fresh and fruity finish. A wine in perfect harmony with its environment.
WIJNKOOPGIDS 2015 De 300 beste wijnen onder de 10 euro Frank van der Auwera
Achter deze voortreffelijke, zuivere witte wijn gaat het Nederlands koppel Jan en Caryl Panman schuil, met hun circa 30 ha wingerd voornamelijk binnen de appellatie Limoux. Ze proberen hun cuvées zo natuurlijk en milieuvriendelijk te producered - ze bezitten dan ook een Terra Vitis label -
wat bij hen zeker niet ten koste gaat van finesse or smaak. Integendeel, deze chardonnaygedomineerde wijn start met een fantastisch schitterende, citroengele kleur en opent een rijp aromadoosje waarin eerst sappige perzik en abrikoos (=chardonnay) , dan conferenpeer en een vleugje acaciahoning (=chenin),. Beide druiven vechten op dit moment nog voor overwicht in de mond, waar in deze fase vooral de beendroge en citrusfrisse chenin zich toont (groene appel, limoen) met toch ook al romige impressies van honingmeloen, witte perziken en oranjebloesem. De onderbouw is echter mineraal, zelfs silex-achtig. Klasbak vol fraicheur, met respect te drinken rond 10C en toch eens afwachten welke druif er straks de smaak naar zich toetrekt.
Chardonnay du Domaine 2014
Neil Cammies "Straight off the Vine" July 2015
has an intoxicating nose of baked apples with a ripe richness from the peach notes of the chardonnay.
In the mouth, the white fruits are full and exuberant with a delicious drop of minerality giving the wine dimension and keeps things jollying along.
The two varieties compliment each other in this master-class of blending.
WINE SPECTATOR (GS) 86 pts
Moderately plump, with a core of apple, jellied citrus and fresh floral flavors. The smooth finish is packed with sweet spice and fresh herb notes. Drink now.
GUIDE HUBERT 2016 (Pierre Casamayor / Nadine Adenis) 4 verres
Nez de fruits compotés, entre pomme et poire, des notes de verveine citron et du minéral. Le vin est franc en bouche, modeste mais bien fait, dans la fraicheur et la souplesse. Pour les fruits de mer.
Chardonnay du Domaine élévé en fut
MARY DOWEY, IRISH TIMES (October 2004):
"This is a smashing example (of chardonnay), combining ripe apple and honey flavours with a crisp lemon tang. A smooth, creamy texture adds to the appeal thanks to subtle oak treatment. This is the kind of wine that goes with anything from a handful of tortilla chips to roast chicken."
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SAUVAGEON 2008
WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM By Chris Kissack:
A new project, only started in 2007 (in a non-commercial quantity) this is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc cuvée. Managed in a manner akin to the Limoux wines, this means barrel-fermented Sauvignon with a short period of barrel age before bottling. The nose belies the variety, although the palate has more in common with the estate's various Limoux cuvées than with any Sauvignon preconceptions you might bring to this wine. Full, substantial palate, sweet and almost nutty, this is as far from Marlborough Sauvignon as you could get. I know some people find the combination of oak and Sauvignon to be the devil's work, but I really like this. 16-16.5+/20 (July 2009)
... retasted in July 2012 This is barrel fermented, and is not your average Sauvignon Blanc. On the nose there is a firm, rocky minerality, and exotic fruit elements suggestive of stone fruit and pear skin, although with a deep, savoury, wild and feral character. Alongside is a richer, toffee-melon edge most probably a residual element from the oak. It also has an appealing matchsticky element to it which gives it a really attractive feel, and which enhances the minerality. The palate has a similarly well defined savoury substance, surprisingly deep with a good meaty-fruit character. A fine substance, with fresh, defining acidity here, and overall a really very attractive, pithy, tropical style backed up by a dense phenolic backbone, giving a slightly bitter streak – attractively so – into the finish. It is pretty long too. Lots of winemaking and style here, but overall I like this. 16/20 (July 2012)
JANCIS ROBINSON
Relatively deep straw for a Sauvignon. Reminds me on the nose of New World wines in the 1990s. Lots of fruit there and even quite fat and peachy. A million miles from the current fashion for dry 'minerality'. On its own rather off-mainstream terms this could give pleasure
GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2011
Robe jaune clair lumineuse. Nez bien mûr évoquant la pêche blanche, les agrumes. Un sauvignon
ample, gras, équilibré par la fraîcheur. La palette aromatique s'enrichit d'une note vanillée.
L'ensemble est persistant, à déguster sur des crustacés.
Bright pale yellow colour. Very ripe nose suggestive of white peach and citrus. A full-bodied, fat sauvignon, balanced by freshness. The aromatic range is enhanced by vanilla notes. Great length. Serve with shellfish.
JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Very tropical, lots of very sweet ripe pineapple on the nose. Tropical opulence with lots of freshness and packed with Kiwi fruit, green mango and pineapple. A herbal gorse-bush top note. Quite unexpected (TC)
GUIDE DES VINS 2011 Patrick Dussert-Gerber
Un pur sauvignon, dont le nom évoque une forte personalité aromatique et un caractère bien marqué, finement bouqueté, suave, parfait sur des filets de sole.
SAUVAGEON 2009
LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & MIllau
On trouve ici une vision toute différente du sauvignon. Plus ensoleillé, il laisse apparaître des notes de fruits exotiques doublées en bouche par une chair ample et consistante.
THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
Chateau Rives-Blanques Sauvageon 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc Sauvignon Blanc, from vines planted as recently as 2006. Sauvignon is not a variety permitted by the Limoux AOC, so this has to be labelled as a vin de pays, but it benefits from the same oak treatment as the Cuvée de l'Odyssée. And it makes for a really interesting, quirky wine. The nose is oaky and buttery, but with lots of other aromas, such as lime and mandarin, fennel, cloves and herbs. The palate is again quite oaky, but adds structure, rather than dominating, with some quite intense flavours of orange, honey, apple pie and spice. It is very long and very interesting. I want some!
ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
Sauvageon is the clue that it is Sauvignon, but they didn’t want to put Sauvignon on the label. 2009 was the second vintage, after a very small crop in 2008, for the vines were planted in 2005. As for Limoux, the wine is fermented in barrel and the oak is nicely integrated, with some restrained Sauvignon fruit and good body and texture with balancing acidity. A harmonious mouthful, promising well with some bottle age.
GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012 + 2013
Goûtez ce pur sauvignon dont le no, évoque une forte personnalité et un caractère bien marqué, finement bouqueté; suave; parfait sur des filets de sole
LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2012
Elevé en fût de chêne, aux arômes de boissé, de fumé et de noisette grillée; agrémentés de notes citronnées et au palais ample et gras
SAUVAGEON 2010
100% young-vine Sauvignon Blanc, aged in barrels, 30% new. Hints of elderflower and pea pod on the nose. The fruit flavours are zesty and delicate, whilst the oak adds complexity without dominating. Although neither Sancerre nor Marlborough in style, I guess you could say it combines aspects of both - and the result is a really lovely wine.
GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
un peu exotique et graissé par le bois
Notes on Tasting Wine
For an informed, authorative account of the tasting experience, visit Wine Spectator's
The ABC's of Wine Tasting
Here are some additional notes we have added to complete the picture:
If you don't get a delicate hint of melon with your nose in a glass of chenin blanc, then don't worry about it. We all live in our own taste worlds. Roughly speaking, about half of us can taste reasonably well, while the other half is split between those who are very good at it, and those who are very bad at it. Our tongues are evenly covered with taste receptors, but the really good Supertasters have a lot more taste papillae than the bad ones - so it could just be genetic.
Only five basic tastes have been identified: sweet, salty, bitter, sour and umami. (Umami is a recent Japanese invention, relating to the taste of amino acids. What it boils down to is a meaty, savoury taste). Many of the experiments dealing with taste have centred on our perception of bitterness. (Men show a steady degeneration in this as they get older, while women go into a steep decline at menopause.)
There is more to taste than taste alone. There is also smell, which plays a hugely important role. In fact, smell gives us much more information than taste does: while only 5 basic tastes exist, there are millions of smells, and we have a few hundred receptors for sniffing them out.
The bad news is, our smell capacity is about 4/5 less than a cat's, and we can identify up to only four smells at a time in any given mixture ... and the older we get, the less well we smell. Smells can also cancel each other out, and the more often you are exposed to a certain odour, the less likely you are to smell it. Other aspects play a role too: appetite, and ovulation (women only, obviously) heighten smell; humidity affects our perception of it.
All this explains why there is such a difference in perception to cork taint compound (TCA), for instance. In fact, studies have shown that in a sample of 100 people, you can expect a variation of about one hundred times between the most and the least sensitive smeller.
Tastes are detected by the tongue, and odours are detected either through the nostrils, or - as when you sip a glass of wine - through the backdoor behind the palate into the nasal cavity. Then the brain goes to work. Taste tells the brain that the odour is coming from the mouth, and therefore should be treated as if it were a flavour.
It is all very clever, but equally clever is the conscious part of the process: the formulation of a vocabulary to describe taste and define smells. This is the art of the wine taster. It requires great skill, experience and memory to develop a classification system which associates words with tastes, and which can be commonly understood by a whole range of humanity - of which only a quarter can taste really well anyway, and the rest just muddles through. Try describing chocolate's taste, smell, and even colour, to a martian, for instance, in terms that are universally understood and go beyond 'chocolately'.
Interestingly, at Chateau Rives-Blanques, we use one of the world's most renowned scientific oenology laboratories to accompany the progress of our wines. But when it comes to tasting the wine, and defining the components of the taste and smell of it, our white-coated technicians prefer to use their noses and their mouths. Which are infallible.
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