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Spotlight on Pic St Loup
The wines of Château La Roque, Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Langudeoc

Jack Boutin, Ch. La Roque, 34270 Fontanès, France
Tel: +33 4 67 55 34 47 Fax: +33 4 67 55 10 18

La Roque is a beautifully maintained 41 hectare estate, with a distinctive lilac-shuttered Château. The vineyards here look tidier and less 'southern' than many of the others in this region. It's also probably one of the biggest estates in the region. 

Although La Roque is not usually one of the first names mentioned in discussions about the leading properties of Pic St Loup, the wines made here are quite brilliant, and very fairly priced (the two leading cuvées are about £5-6 at cellar door). For the record, I bought some of the Vieilles Vignes Mourvèdre. I’d have picked up some Numismae, too, if I’d had the space. UK availability: when I last checked, Tanners had some of the Mourvèdre at £8.95 a pop.

Château La Roque 2001 Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc
A blend of Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre. Some sweetness on the nose, which displays notes of caramel, herbs and spice. Savoury and warm on the palate with good density and sweet spicy fruit. There’s a touch of earthiness. Very good

Château La Roque Cuvée Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc Cuvée de Vieilles Vignes de Mourvèdre 2000 Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc
90% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah. Lovely meaty, slightly animal nose with a lifted, spicy character. Wonderful spicy, savoury palate with leathery, earthy complexity and good concentration. Essence of Mourvèdre. Very good/excellent

Château La Roque Cupa Numismae 2000 Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc
A blend of 60% Syrah and 40% Mourvèdre. Sweet spicy nose shows herby, earthy complexity. Good concentration on the spicy, rich palate which shows good balance and a fair bit of new oak influence. Very refined and ageworthy. Very good/excellent

Château La Roque Cuvée Clos des Bénédictins (Blanc) 2001 Pic St Loup, Coteaux du Languedoc
A blend of Rolle, Marsanne and Viognier. Lovely assertive lemony floral nose with a spicy barrique lift. Rich, thick-textured palate with a lovely rounded softness. Showy, concentrated stuff. Very good+ 

 

wines tasted August 2002

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