The
Vineyard
The estate spreads over 40 hectares
(98.8 acres) of vineyard land:
- 25 ha in Gigondas. The quality of the soil is
outstanding and the sun exposure is optimal due to the
special location of the vineyard, surrounded by the
rocky massif of the "Dentelles de
Montmirail", upon which is built the Sarrazine
tower.
- 15 ha in Vacqueyras, on sandy-clayey and sunny
slopes.
The vineyards are planted to 60% Grenache, 30% Syrah and
10% Mourvèdre. The vines are 40-50 year old. The
annual production is 8,800 to 10,000 cases. The
average yield is 28 hl/ha.
The
vines are cultivated with utmost respect to the environment.
Only Bordeaux mixture (antifungal agent consisting of a
solution of copper sulfate and quicklime) and sulfur is used
in the phytosanitary (pertaining to the health of plant) and
vineyard treatment. At all times, the vineyards are manually
tended, including manual harvest. To ensure optimal
quality, only the best grapes are selected during a green
harvest in Summer which eliminates at least 20% of the
production.
Each grape variety is picked at its optimum maturity and
vinified separately. Syrah is usually harvested first,
followed by Grenache and then Mourvèdre. The whole clusters
are placed into specially equipped bins having a
screw in the bottom that allow the grapes to fall into
the tanks without any crushing. This near carbonic
fermentation period depends on the grape varieties and the
conditions. When the fermentation is complete, the varietal
wines are blended together (typically in November).
The maturation takes place first in stainless steel tanks for
the juice to settle, then in concrete or enamel tanks. The
wines mature in the cellars for at least 2 years before
bottling. There is no fining,
and
only a light filtration to limit the natural deposit on the
bottle.
The
Wines
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UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2008 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
"Deep ruby. Fresh red berries and
flowers on the nose, with notes of Asian spices and minerals
adding complexity. Offers sweet red and dark berry flavors
underscored by smoky minerals. Gains power with air, finishing
with dusty tannins and good spicy persistence. "
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10),
87-89 pts
#F0EE132000GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2007 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
75%
Grenache, 15% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre. 45 year old vines on
average.
Intense, persistent red and dark fruit aromas. Raspberry, pepper
and spice flavors. Silky tannins.
Enjoy with game meat or strong cheeses.
"Ruby-red. Fragrant, floral bouquet of raspberry, cherry and
smoky herbs, with a zesty minerality adding vivacity. Sweet red
fruit and floral pastille flavors stain the palate, with an
exotic note of blood orange providing further lift. I would bet
on this racy wine's ability to age well on its balance. "
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10),
91 pts
"This
estate’s 2007 Gigondas La Tour Sarrazine is a winner. Seductive
notes of kirsch liqueur, garrigue, pepper, and lavender soar
from the glass of this expressive, open-knit, round, ripe,
medium to full-bodied, lush, succulent Gigondas. With
outstanding purity and abundant upfront fruit and appeal, it can
be enjoyed over the next 6-7 years."
- Wine Advocate (October 09), 90 pts
2006 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
"Saturated ruby. Powerful, pungent aromas of
raspberry, aged steak, burning tobacco and garrigue Pretty wild
on the palate, with deep, sweet red and dark berry compote,
licorice and smoked meat flavors. Supple in texture, with strong
finishing notes of blackberry and tobacco. Not for the faint of
heart."
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 09),
90 pts
#F0EE132030GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00339 6
2005 Le Clos des Cazaux Gigondas, Sarrazine 12/750ml
"Dark ruby. Exotic, floral-dominated
bouquet offers spicy red and dark berry scents, along with blood
orange, garrigue and black olive. Spicy and sharply defined,
with sweet raspberry and cassis flavors, supple tannins and
excellent spicy length.
- International Wine Cellar (Jan. 08), 89 pts
National Retail Price: $28.95 /
bottle
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#F0EE132001GRM
UPC code: 7 84585 00340 2
2007 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
A
blend of 50% Syrah, 50%
Grenache.
Deep color. Intense and persistent red fruits, spice and
violet aromas. Intense black cherry, blackberry, blueberry and
cherry flavors. Explosive fruit tannins give the sweet, creamy flavors
structure and focus, bright and uplifting on the finish.
Enjoy this wine when young with grilled beef and bearnaise
sauce, lamb and thyme. After 7-10 years excellent with game
meats.
"Deep, vivid ruby. Pungent red and dark berries on the nose,
with smoky and spicy qualities gaining strength with air. Juicy
raspberry and kirsch flavors stain the palate and are lifted by
nervy minerality. The spicy note repeats strongly on the
impressively focused and very persistent finish. Five more years
of patience should be rewarded."
- Tanzer's International Wine Cellar (Jan. 10), 92 pts
"Proprietor
Earl Archimbaud-Vache’s 2007 Vacqueyras Les Templiers is a blend
of equal parts Grenache and Syrah. The wine has a dense
ruby/purple color, a big, sweet kiss of blackberry and black
cherry fruit with a hint of grilled meat and floral undertones.
It is a rich, beautifully pure, medium to full-bodied wine with
some tannins still to shed. I would actually cellar this for 1-2
years and drink it over the following 7-10 years. This comes
from 30- to 60-year-old vines."
-
Wine Advocate (October 09), 89+ pts
2006 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
"Far superior is the 2006 Vacqueyras Les Templiers, an
equal part blend of Grenache and Syrah from 20-50-year old
vines. Made in a sexy, plummy, opulent style, it displays a deep
ruby color, abundant black cherry, cassis, and plum fruit,
earth, and lavender. This fleshy 2006 should drink nicely for
3-4 years. "
- Wine Advocate (Feb. 09), 89 pts
2005 Le Clos des Cazaux, Vacqueyras, Templiers 12/750ml
"Ruby-red. Exotically perfumed aromas of ripe
raspberry, herbs and anise, with a deep black tea quality.
Supple red fruit preserve flavors are gently firmed by dusty
tannins, which build through a long, refreshingly bitter finish.
Give this pretty, juicy midweight a couple of years in the
cellar."
-
International Wine Cellar (Jan. 08), 90 pts
National Retail Price: $24.99 /
bottle
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