October 2012: Jancis Robinson awards top points to our wines in her Purple Pages

The doyenne  of wine writers, Jancis Robinson, published in her Purple Pages today the results of a tasting of 180 wines from the Languedoc Roussillon, a « glorious part of the world ».

The Languedoc is  » home to probably hundreds of artisan winemakers who make lovely wines chock full of terroir and interest » – but many of them do not get on the market, and  the region is complicated to understand, she added.

We are extremely proud that our La Trilogie was awarded the top points of  the region’s white wines, closely followed by the chenin blanc, Dédicace; and that our Crémant de Limoux Vintage Rose was also placed at the head of the region’s rosés:

Ch Rives-Blanques, Vintage Rosé 2009 Crémant de Limoux 16.5 Drink 2012-2013
Lovely pretty pink with fine bead. Full of Pinot fruit and beautifully balanced.  Not bone dry and far from tart but clean as a whistle. Very satisfying and refreshing and satisfying as a familiar feather pillow.   12.5%

Ch Rives-Blanques, La Trilogie 2010 Limoux 17 Drink 2012-2014
Blend of Chardonnay, Mauzac and Chenin Blanc. Very lively mineral blend with great crisp green apple acidity, mouthfilling fruit. Real personality and integrity. Bracing with great balance and persistence.  13.5%

Ch Rives-Blanques, Dédicace 2010 Limoux 16 Drink 2014-2017
Chenin Blanc. This vintage dedicated to Georges Pauli, ‘who has inspired and helped us on the way’. Markedly more nerve and acidity than the 2009. Green apples and potential. Still very youthful. I’d like to see a little toastiness develop. But racy and refreshing. Good to see this variety celebrated in Limoux.  13%

Ch Rives-Blanques, Dédicace 2009 Limoux 15.5 Drink 2013-2015
Young appley Chenin Blanc aromas but without the crunchy acidity of the Loire and without the honey and old-vine interest of the best South Africans. A little loose. With bottle age it may take on more interest. There is a nice, firm finish already. This vintage is dedicated to their neighbour James Kinglake of Dom Begude who helped them out when their wine press gave up the ghost. Nice idea.  13.5%