2013 Richard Rottiers Moulin-à-Vent
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Tasting notes
Vivid ruby. Intense black raspberry, blood orange and musky herb aromas show very good focus and lift. Bitter cherry pit and dark berries on the palate, with a hint of smokiness in the background. Juicy and expansive on the smoky, mineral-tinged finish, with fine-grained tannins building slowly. A classic example of ageworthy Beaujolais and one that should be a beauty in another six years.
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Jancis Robinson MW
Richard Hemming MW, jancisrobinson.com
More reviews and scores
Concentrated, rich fruit with the classic Beaujolais spiciness. Complex fruit – bramble, plum, cherry. Furry texture that would benefit from some bottle age. (RH)
The 2013 Moulin-a-Vent Tradition comes from 2.5 hectares of 50-year-old vines, undergoes semi-carbonic maceration before four months in wooden vats (30% barrel aged.) It has an engaging bouquet of dark cherries, bergamot and undergrowth that is well-defined and gains vigor in the glass. The palate is well-balanced with supple, ripe tannins. There is good weight and focus, fresh mineral-rich dark berry fruit with a crisp, structured finish. This is very fine. Drink now-2022. I was immediately impressed by the selection of wines courtesy of Domaine Richard Rottiers. Richard had worked in California and New Zealand before returning to Beaujolais in 2002 with a newfound appreciation for French terroir. After working in Cotes de Ventoux and then at Chateau Thivin, he finally took over the 3.15-hectare estate based in Romaneche-Thorins in 2007, attracted by the stock of 40- to 80-year-old vines, which he plans to turn completely organic by this year. Grapes here are picked by hand and undergo careful selection, then the fruit undergoes a traditional vinification with partial CO2 use, with regular rack and return to enhance fruite. He bottles according to the lunar calendar. These were some of my finest examples of Beaujolais that I found during my time in the region and I look forward to tasting more in the future. Importer: Paul Young (CA), Michael Riahi (NY), Estelle Wines (OR), Swiss Cellars (WI) and Masciarelli (MA). Also available through Charles Hawkins & Partners in the UK.
Vines 40 to 80 years old. Made with a 'soft winemaking technique' and French oak barrels according to the back label, in French and English. Dark crimson with a strong blueish tinge. Meaty, savoury nose. Really mouthfilling and attractive even now though there are fine tannins on the finish. Racy and very lively too. Quite winning. Too substantial to drink without food. (JR)