2014 Chateau du Moulin-A-Vent
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Tasting notes
The 2014 Moulin-à-Vent is one of the standouts in this vertical. The combination of fruit richness, bright acids and energy give the 2014 a sense of vitality that is impossible to miss. Sweet red berry fruit, bright acids, white pepper and mint all come alive in the glass. The 2014 really sizzles with energy and tension. Effusive and energetic, with terrific cut, the 2014 is compelling.
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Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
40- to 80-year-old vines. Lieux-dits Le Moulin-à-Vent, La Rochelle, La Roche, Les Thorins and Les Cavestailles. Gobelet pruning. Yield: 27 hl/ha with 10,000 plants/ha. 85% destemmed. Cold pre-fermentation maceration with pumpovers. Maceration for three weeks. Punchdowns at the beginning of the fermentation, pumpovers at the end. 40% aged in barrels (10% new) for 14 months. Tasted at the generic tasting: Much sweeter on the nose than Couvent des Thorins 2015, both sweeter in red fruit but also in some oak influence (40% barrel aged including 10% new, apparently). The oak is present but not dominant, just showing a little on the finish. (JH)
Vivid ruby. Ripe cherry and blackberry aromas are complicated by hints of candied licorice and musky flowers. Juicy and focused, showing good depth and vivacity to the bitter cherry, dark berry and spicecake flavors, which become sweeter with air. Smoothly blends power and liveliness and finishes long and sappy, leaving behind a lingering echo of cherry liqueur.
The 2014 Moulin a Vent comes from mainly 30-year-old vines on the property. It has a slightly floral bouquet with strawberry and subtle blueberry scents, moderate definition with a touch of damp undergrowth. The palate is medium-bodied with grainy tannin: crisp and taut with a fine line of acidity, clamming up a little towards the finish but maintaining adequate freshness. Drink over the next 3-4 years.