Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2011 Cotes du Ventoux La Pierre Noire, the top wine of the estate, is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that spends upwards of three years in concrete tank prior to bottling. The name La Pierre Noire (meaning “black stones”) refers to the soil type, and the vines come from black stone soils and average 40 years in age. Finesse-driven and beautifully fine and elegant, it offers up a thrilling bouquet of kirsch, dried licorice, graphite, ground pepper and hints of underbrush in its medium to full-bodied, layered and nicely concentrated personality. As is common with Philippe’s wines, it excels both for its aromatic complexity and balance as much as for its richness and power. A superb 2011, it can be consumed anytime over the coming 10-15 years.
93+ points
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.
Stretching across the slopes of the Ventoux mountain in the southeastern region of the Rhône River Valley, Cotes du Ventoux excels in the production of spicy and characterful red blends based on Grenache, Syrah, and other indigenous varieties. The region also produces rich and aromatic whites and rosés.