11.5% abv, Philippe Héritier, Poisy, imported by Fass Selections, Irvine, CA. Cork closure: natural. Biodynamic calendar: root day.
Mondeuse Noir is a fascinating grape, almost like the birth child of Pinot and Syrah, spicy and savory with loads of dark fruit and ample tannins. I can’t get enough of the stuff, and there never seems to be enough to go around *pouty face*. The Domaine des Orchis is a really treat from this small Haut-Savoie estate near the north tip of Lake Annecy and the village of Frangey. The 2017 vintage was fermented with a small portion (10%) of whole clusters from this 2-hectare vineyard and aged the wine neutral oak from a year before being bottled unfined and unfiltered. The result is a lovely and textured wine and a prime example of why I love the ‘deuse!
Tasting note: The Orchis Vin de Savoie Mondeuse is medium purple in color with a clean nose of medium+ intensity with aromas of raspberry, lingerberry, pomegranate, cinnamon, dried potpourri, cinnamon sticks and graphite. Structurally, the acid is high, tannins are medium+, body is medium, alcohol is medium, flavor intensity is medium+ and the finish is medium with flavors of rose petals, sour cherry, morello, Friar plum, damson, sage, graphite, and a touch of smoke and duck fat. Drink now or through 2032; this wine is outstanding: 9.5/10. And I am afraid the secret is already out on these wines, but I suppose they can always double in price like most French wines do every few years.
