2010 Abelard
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Tasting notes
Made from 80-85% old vine Grenache and the rest Syrah, the 2010 Ventoux Abelard is much more Provençal and has a ton of ripe black fruits, licorice, and leafy herbs, as well as some olive tapenade, in a full-bodied, concentrated, ripe, sexy style. Located high up in the Dentelles de Montmirail behind the picturesque village of Séguret, Chêne Bleu is run by the Rolet Family, with Jean-Louis Gallucci making the wines. The wines all come from these higher elevation, limestone-driven soils and the estate produces two whites, one rosé, and two top reds. Looking at the top reds, the Heloise is Syrah-dominated and always reminds me of a top Côte Rôtie. The Abelard is the more Grenache-dominated cuvée (it’s 80-85% Grenache with the balance Syrah) and oozes Provençal charm, with a style not far from a top Gigondas. These wines are not cheap, but unquestionably the quality is there.
Critic scores
Average Score
Joe Czerwinski, Wine Advocate
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
When tasting the 2010 Abelard alongside the Heloise, the derivation of the names becomes obvious. Abelard is the bigger, richer wine—the more "masculine," to deploy a somewhat dated/sexist stereotype. This full-bodied Grenache-dominated (85%) wine is packed with black cherries, star anise and other ground spices, and features a wonderfully long silky finish. Despite the size and concentration, the wine is complex and elegant, not an easy feat. It should drink well over the next 10-15 years.
Vivid ruby. Assertively perfumed blackberry and cherry liqueur aromas are accented by hints of vanilla and star anise. Broad and rich, but shows very good energy and nerve to the black and blue fruit and spicecake flavors. Finishes supple, sweet and very long, offering fine-grained tannins and a hint of candied lavender.
85% Grenache, 15% Syrah – Grenache, over 40 years at 530 m, Syrah, 30 years old at 540 m. On clay and limestone soils, very stony. 18 hl/ha. 18 months in French oak. Even though this has more Grenache, it smells darker than the Héloïse. Thicker texture, a little more chewy and savoury, but satisfying and all in harmony and with good freshness on the finish. Needs longer to come round fully. (JH)