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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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