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Domaine Peyre Rose

The seeds of Domaine Peyre Rose were sown in 1973 when estate agent Marlene Soria, who was working in the Languedoc selling holiday apartments, purchased a property as a holiday home for herself. Located within what is now the Grès de Montpellier zone, it was an isolated property, with little in the way of amenities, and completely surrounded by garrigue. Once cleared (by hand - a laborious task) the vines were planted, at first as a hobby rather than a serious business. The first vintage came in 1989 and was sold to the local co-operative. For financial reasons, however, the 1990 was bottled by Soria. This vintage received a successful review in the Guide Hachette and the wines were soon widely exported, and she hasn't looked back since. Sadly for consumers, although initially good value, the wines received some positive reviews from influential critics and the price spiralled upwards. The wines from this estate are now some of the most expensive of the Languedoc. In terms of finesse or tannic balance, however, the wines have room for improvement.

There is a white wine, made from Roussanne, Rolle and Viognier. It is the reds, however, that are most impressive. The two main cuvées are single vineyard wines. First, Clos des Cistes, from a 7 ha parcel planted on the pink stones that gave the name to the estate. It comprises 85% Syrah and 15% Grenache. Second, Syrah Leone, from a 5 ha parcel on limestone and clay, comprising 90% Syrah and 10% Mourvèdre. There is also the less serious Cuvée Rafael, which includes wine from other plots. The two top cuvées are made using extremely low yields - frequently less than 25 hl/ha - but see only 50% destemming and all the press wine is blended back in. It is these two actions that result in the tannic nature of the wines. (1/3/04)

Contact details:
Address: 34230 St-Pargoire
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 67 98 75 50
Fax: +33 (0) 4 67 98 71 88

Domaine Peyre Rose - Tasting Notes

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1996

Domaine Peyre Rose Coteaux du Languedoc Clos des Cistes 1996: Syrah 85%, Grenache 15%. These wines have a reputation for tannic strength, but the colour and nose suggests now is the right time for sampling this bottle. A deep, oxblood hue fading a little to a red then pink rim, and showing a mahogany tinged maturity. The nose has great meaty fruit, with animalistic fur and horsehair nuances. Firm, powerful palate on entry, showing restrained fruit but a nice, appropriate texture and moderate acidity. The tannin is there also, from entry onwards, and it really dominates the finish and length. Real mouth-puckering stuff. Will go another five years in the cellar with ease, although I am not sure if those tannins will ever soften. Best with food. 17?+/20 (March 2004) Label

Domaine Peyre Rose Coteaux du Languedoc Clos Syrah Leone 1996: It sounds like a pun, but Leone is the name of the previous owner of this property. This cuvee is 85% Syrah and 15% Mourvèdre. Good depth of colour, and a fantastic nose. Plenty of burnt earth and hot stones, then baked raspberry fruit, meaty notes from the Mourvèdre, and a touch of leather. The palate has power, elegance and piles of meaty fruit. There are firm, ripe, tannins in the background, but with a supple, approachable character. There is a very correct texture and delightful poise. This is truly fabulous wine, combining power, character, richness and elegance. Ready now, but should improve further over the next five years. 18+/20 (March 2004) Label