Chateau Puech-Haut Prestige Rouge 2014
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Robert
Parker
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
A terrific value, the 2014 Languedoc Cuvee Prestige checks in as a blend of 55% Grenache and 45% Syrah that’s brought up all in tank. It has tons of Mediterranean character in its sweet dark fruits, lavender, damp earth and peppery herb-laced bouquet. This gives way to a full-bodied, sexy, layered 2014 that has plenty of fruit, fine tannin and a hedonistic style that’s just hard to resist. It’s another outstanding vintage for this cuvee that’s well worth a multi-bottle purchase. Drink it over the coming 4-5 years.
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Nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean and the foothills of the Cevennes region of southern France, Chateau Puech-Haut’s vineyards span 625 acres in Côteaux du Languedoc AOC, including 230 acres in Saint Drézéry and 55 acres in Pic Saint Loup. The estate’s vineyards are mainly planted to Syrah, Grenache, Carignan (50-60-year-old vines), Viognier, Marsanne and Roussanne.
The history of Château Puech-Haut is above all the story of Gérard Bru, a visionary man who built his vineyard just as he built his own life: starting from nothing and creating and achieving a dream without question. In 1980, Bru bought a parcel that was planted to olive trees and wasn’t part of the Languedoc A.O.C. classification. Bru was impressed with the area’s unique terroir and believed it was ideal for growing premium grapes, with its clay and limestone soils topped with a layer of rounded pebbles. The property was converted from olives to grapes and the property’s farmhouse evolved to Château Puech-Haut, producing its first wines a few years later.
The wines of Château Puech-Haut are all full of history and endowed with a singular identity with strong character. In summarizing the Estate’s philosophy, Gérard Bru states, “Our objective is clear: produce the greatest wines by respecting and captivating various terroirs is the philosophy of Puech Haut.”
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
Approved for both red and rosé wines, Saint-Drézéry sits between Montpellier and Nîmes at the eastern end of the Languedoc, deep in the hot, dry lowlands along the Mediterranean coast. Comprised of the great southern French grapes, Syrah, Grenache and Mourvèdre, with traditional Languedoc favorite Carignan blended in for rustic grip, the wines are robust and full-bodied, but retain acidity due to low rainfall and cool nights. Tending toward the meaty, roasted style of Languedoc red, the region’s wines show fig, stewed plum, and blackberry fruit, with licorice and pepper spice. The product of a wine tradition which traces its roots to the Romans, the quality of Saint-Drézéry reds have been recognized for centuries. Learn about Barossa wine, common tasting notes, where the region is and more ...