Jancis Robinson
byJulia Harding MWthe4/23/2012
Drink 2018-2030
First vintage in the new, neat and architecturally simple but elegant cellar, all sun-reflecting limestone and reassuring oak doors, attractive angles within and without. Just in time for the 2011 vintage. Harvested 12-13 September (early ripeness on gravel allowing retention of freshness, says Fiona Morrison MW, aka Mrs Jacques Thienpont). Yield 35 hl/ha. Pumping over only in the early part of fermentation, again to retain freshness, then the wine was left alone.
Deep rich black cherry colour. Gently toasty nose, essentially red fruited and just a little perfumed. Fine, seemingly gentle tannins. Marked by scented freshness, making it hard not to make some reference to burgundy, though the tannins are denser. As with so many in 2011, alcohol was almost 1% lower than in 2010, changing the balance and increasing the wine's approachability. (JH) 13.3%