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DÉDICACE 2002 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)

GUIDE HACHETTE 2005:

« …Les arômes de pêche et de fruits confits s'y épanouissent agréablement.»
A pleasing mix of peachy and jammy fruit aromas

GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER 2005:

«Un chenin distinguée, long en bouche aux arômes floraux ou l'on retrouve l'acacia, un vin comme nous les aimons.»

A distinguished chenin, long in the mouth with floral aromas dominated by acacia; wine as we like it.

CHENIN DU MONDE

La robe brillant couleur jaune d'or aux reflets paille claire s'ouvre sur un nez intense et charmeur au caractère doux de vanille, caramel, banane et bois de chêne. La bouche soyeuse et pleine offre une texture merveilleuse surmontée par un boisé vanillé. La fraîcheur est apportée par les agrumes et la touche amère structure le vin. Un beau vin de style moderne et technique

A brilliant yellow gold robe with light straw-coloured reflections leads to an intense and charming nose characterised by soft notes of vanilla, caramel and oak. The mouth is silky, full and marvellously textured. The freshness is carried by citrus and a touch of bitterness which gives structure to the wine. A handsome wine in a modern and technological style.

1000 VINS DU MONDE (HACHETTE PRATIQUE) SELECIONES PAR LES OENOLOGUES DE FRANCE:

«D'un jaune d'or à reflets gris-verts, elle présente un nez complexe d'agrumes puis de fleurs (chèvrefeuille et acacia). Sa vivacité équilibrée et son volume en font un bon vin à savourer dès aujourd'hui.»

WINE INTERNATIONAL (February 2004):

"Quite confected fruit salad aromas and flavours with some oak. This is quite a modern style of wine."

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DÉDICACE 2003 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)

DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2005 Judges' Tasting Notes:
"Lemon hue, apple and blossom. Balanced, harmonious mouthful, elegant."

CONCOURS GENERAL DE PARIS

‘Nez exotique et intense. Bouche beurrée, fruitée et vanillée’
Commentaire du Jury

Exotic and intense nose. Buttery, fruity and notes of vanilla on the palate. Jury‘s comment

1000 Vins du Monde 2006,Oenologues de France.


...cette cuvée jaune, pâle à reflets brillants. Le nez s'ouvre sur des notes d'agrumes, puis, rapidement, des touches de fuits blancs (poire, pêches) s'épannouissent. La bouche exprime une fraîchure minérale, nauancée d'un boisé discret. Ce vin accompagnera bien un plateau de fruits de mer.

A light yellow cuvée with clear bright highlights. On the nose citrussy notes at first, closely followed by a touch of white fruits (peach and pear). On the palate, a mineral freshness, refined by discreet oaking. This wine goes well with seafood.

GUIDE HACHETTE 2006

Parée d'une robe jaune pâle limpide, elle offre un bouquet fin et agréable de fruits exoitiques rehaussé d'une touche légèrement boisée et minérale. La bouche ample et généreuse témoigne d'un mariage parfait.


A light, limpid yellow robe; on the nose a fine bouquet of exotic fruits with a light mineral oakiness; the palate is round and generous, perfectly harmonious.

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DÉDICACE 2004 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc


GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT-GERBER 2007

Un vin où l'on retrouve des nuances de tilleul, alliant charpente et finesse, de bouche fruitée

THE LONDON TIMES, JANE MacQUITTY November 2006

This gorgeous, dry, full, waxy, peachy, smoky, chenin blanc, made from mature, low-yielding, 18-year-old vines grown on some of Limoux's best soils and rounded off with a dash of new oak by eco-aware winemakers, is an absolute delight. A wonderful festive bottle for those who are sick and tired of the usual merry-go-round of winter whites.

THE WINE DOCTOR (Chris Kissack)October 2006

Another barrel-fermented cuvée, but here this treatment is much less obvious. Full, honey and straw character on the nose, it is rich in aroma but without any great minerality or precision. Similar character on the palate, very full and textured, a warm and enveloping texture carrying a raft of straw and mineral characters, buoyed along by a very firm, grippy substance which probably indicates the presence of some barrel-derived tannins. Very well balanced acidity, rolling across the palate; this wine shows much of Chenin's character, although it lacks the huge depth or finish of a great and mature Chenin, such as from Savennières, at present. Nevertheless it is a full, fine example of the variety, and as well as drinking well now it should do very well in the cellar, and it would be interesting to see just what complexity developed; I suspect it may be considerable. Impressive, certainly the finest Chenin outside of the Loire I have encountered.

1000 VINS DU MONDE 2007 (HACHETTE PRATIQUE) SELECIONES PAR LES OENOLOGUES DE FRANCE:

Cette cuvée de chenin, jaune pâle, parsemée de reflets verts,offre un nez délicat de fleurs blanches (jasmin) légèrement miellées, relevé de nuances fruitées de poire. La bouche, dominée par des flaveurs de citron confit, présente du relief et un juste équilibre.

DM MAGAZINE, BELGIUM; Frank van der Auwera:

A wine that can be put down for 3 or 4 years. A jewel from Limoux: a wonderful colour, the bouquet starts with toasty oak impressions, nutty with ripe yellow fruit and lime blossom. Stone dry, even surprisingly zesty in the mouth, with lime leaves again, full of ripe yellow fruit compote. Great freshness. Almost a classic Loire chenin, and undoubtedly a real surprise at the table."

Een parel uit Limoux: heel schitterende kleurspiegel, het boeket startend met toasty eik-impressies, noterig, met verder rijp geel fruit en lindebloesem . Beendroog, zelf verrassend zesty in de mond, met opnieuw lindebladjes, boordevol rijpe gele fruchtencompote. Prima Fraicheur. Haast klassieke 'Loire-chenin'; en ongetwijfeld een surprise aan tafel."

LE GUIDE HUBERT Pierre Casamayor:

Fumé, avec des notes de coing, de cire. La bouche est souple, avec une finale miellée.

ALTIDES DU LANGUEDOC & DU ROUSSILLON, Jury's Verdict:

Tout en finesse ce Limoux blanc, par sa robe jaune paille claire, par ses aromes ou dominent les senteurs de fleurs blanches et de jasmin. Attaque fraîche, grande impression de minéralité.

Everything about this white Limoux is fine and elegant: its clear straw yellow robe, its aromas of white flowers and jasmin. Fresh in the attack with a great impression of minerality.

WIJN KOOP GIDS 2009, Frank van der Auwera:

Superschitterend goudgeel, met een boeket van notenpasta, creme au beurre, witte netel eh lindebloesem, in de smaak gevolgd door exotische impressies van gekonfijte citrus-vruchten, lichtjes oaky en tabacé, maar vooral nerveus en sappig. Apart en authentiek.

DÉDICACE 2005 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)

GUIDE GILBERT & GAILLARD 2008:

Robe jaune clair reflets verts. Nez engageant de fleur blanche, agrémenté d'un fruité plus exotique. Bouche ample, joli gras enrobé de fraicheur, parfums purs sur le fruits. Beau chenin.

WINE SPECTATOR Kim Marcus:
A firm, medium-bodied white, with apple, pear, citrus and honey flavors, followed by spicy notes on the rich finish. Drink now through 2010.

LE GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2009, Bettane & Desseauve:
Sur la pomme verte, le citron et les fleurs blanches, l'ensemble n'est pas très puissant mais rafraîchissant

LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:

... un vin où l'on retrouve des nuances de tilleul, alliant charpente et finesse de bouche fruitée

LE PROGRES (LYON) - Yves Espaignet :

Un étonnant vin de Chenin, frais avec une belle harmonie en bouche, notes florales, fruits exotiques.

An amazing chenin blanc, fresh with good harmony in the mouth, floral notes, exotic fruit.

THURIES - GUY CARRIERE:
"There are reasons enough to salute the high quality and originality of this wine. Impeccable, its robe of pale gold with green highlights. Its intense and precise aromas speak of the good maturity of the harvest, and the very respectful and discreet maturation in oak. The pallet is big and aromatic, quite typically chenin (honey, lime-blossom). You will be conquered by the depth, the elegance and the balance of this wine with its long and fresh finish, lifted by an agreable touch of bitter. This signature of chenin gives even more depth to the whole."

Le terroir de ce domaine performant situé à 350 mètres d'altitude à Cépie, convient tout particulièrement au cépage chenin blanc. Cette cuvée est d'ailleurs la seule issue de ce plant à recevoir dans le sud de la France le label AOC. Raison de plus pour en saluer l'originalité et la qualité. Impeccable, la robe se pare de tons or pale à reflets verts. Les effluves intenses et précis traduisent une belle maturité de la vendange, un élevage très respectueux et discret. La palette aromatique est large, bien typique du chenin (miel, tilleul surtout). Vous serez conquis par l'amplitude, la tenue et
l'équilibre de ce vin dont la longue finale fraîche est rehaussée d'une agréable pointe d'amertume. Cette signature du chenin donne encore plus de relief à l'ensemble. En plein apogée

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DÉDICACE 2006 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)


JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES Languedoc-Roussillon tasting July 2009:

Ch Rives-Blanques, Dedicace 2006 Limoux 17.5 Drink 2009-11
Smoky, mineral and a delicate scent of fresh moss. Intense. Apricot and a rapier-like lime acidity. Arch minerality and then a trail of white blossom on the finish. (TC)

GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Bettane & Desseauve
Grande acidité, avec une longueur étonnante sur les fruits blancs. Belle bouteille.

DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS Judges' notes:

Honeyed botrytis aromas. Floral nose. Attractive honeyed marmalade fruit. Dry but rich, with well-managed oak and lovely complexity.

DRINKS INTERNATIONAL "WINE NEWS" January 2009 David Longfield

Explosively zingy palate, with melon, lemon sherbet and earthy minerals. Not at all an oaky wine, despite barrel influence. Dry but very refreshing.


LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (barrel tasting for "The Best Wines of the Year" supplement):

Issu de chenin, assez généreux. ferme et expressif. Une pointe d'alcool, mais du caractère et de la sincérité

GUIDE DES VINS 2009 PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER

C'est un vin tout en fruit et finessse, aux notes de pommes et de fruits secs

1000 VINS DU MONDE Vinialies International es Jury's notes:
Ce 2006 possède une belle robe or pale aux nuances vertes. Le nez, intense, est marqué par des senteurs de peche blanche, d'agrumes et de cire. Le palais, ample dès la mise en bouche, apporte beaucoup de fraîchure. La finale s'achève sur une légère touche d'amertume.

WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack

A slightly deeper colour than the 2007, with very classic evolving Chenin honey and straw on the nose; it is characteristics like these, combined with an old-world structure, that led me to describe the 2004 as the best Chenin outside the Loire valley I had ever tasted. Very rich on the palate, perhaps a touch less acidity than the 2007. Stylish, quite full, very overtly Chenin. Firm,
with good substance, spice and length in the finish. Fine potential here.

.... retasted in July 2012: It is a couple of years since I tasted this last, when it showed classic honey and straw Chenin Blanc aromas. It has certainly changed since then; the colour in the glass has a deep and golden hue. The nose is less expressive than previously, showing some withdrawn fruit, spiced wood, with a touch of orange fruit. The palate is robust, with early evolving Chenin Blanc character, dense but with a great richness, with nuances of toffee in the supple background. The palate takes on a firm, rounded and broad feel as a result, with firm acidity, but it is well balanced by the substance and grip of the wine. Overall, quite solid, almost creamy in its character, and fairly long in the finish. Certainly an impressive, substantial, and remarkably grippy wine. having said that, I have no idea where this is going; is it going to blossom into maturity, or just dive into an impenetrable funk? It’s hard to know; I’m glad I opened this bottle now. 16.5/20

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DÉDICACE 2007 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)


1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM

Une robe claire avec un joli lustre. Les arômes floraux en finesse s'affirment sur des notes d'acacia. Un vin ample, un brin minéral agrémenté de notes de nougat.

GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2010

Robe jaune pâle, reflets verts . Le nez associe le coing mûr à des notes d'épices douces et de bois. La bouche est riche, le bois lui apporte gras, onctuosité et puissance. On retrouve les arômes fruités à connotation exotique. Pour un poisson en sauce. (85)

To the eye: pale yellow with green reflections. On the nose: ripe quince associates with wood and notes of soft spice. The mouth is rich, full, fat and powerful with great consistency thanks to vinification in oak barrels. Fruity flavours with exotic notes. Recommended to accompany a fish in sauce.

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Gerbelle & Maurange
Nerveuse et marquée par les agrumes.

GUIDE DES VINS PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER 2010

"... tout en fruit et finesse, aux notes de pomme et de fruits secs"

JANCIS ROBINSON
It has gained a bit in depth with time in bottle but just a little less convincing than the Mauzac 2005, though younger of course. Very clean and well made, and seems rather more concentrated than the 2008. 16.5 Drink 2008-10

WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack

Fermented in oak, then half left in oak for a total six months, the other half out into tank after four months. The name of this cuvée reflects the Panmans' dedication to the appellation and terroir , and each vintage is also dedicated to an individual. Very fresh on the nose, although youthful displaying some richness, related to the bâtonnage ? The palate is rounded off but elegant, stylish, but quite full and almost meaty. Toothsome, in fact. Good, with potential. 16.5+/20 (July 2009)

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Slightly more smoky on the nose than the 2008. Firm minerality and more wood spice perhaps? Richer. But still thrilling acidity. Quite tightly wound still. Notes of honey and apricot slowly unfolding in the glass. Real richness and roundness. This is a wine to drink slowly, perhaps even decant for short while. (TC)


VINUM MAGAZINE GERMANY May 2010
Noten von Apfel und Heu, schoen herb, mit Temperment und Fuelle. 2010-2014

DÉDICACE 2008 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)


JANCIS ROBINSON FINANCIAL TIMES
More floral than the Mauzac. Very good acidity though a bit more spindly than the Mauzac. Sleek and polished though without quite the character of the Mauzac. 16 Drink 2009-11

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Fresh, quite precise, lots of acidity, and green peach notes. Golden apple and rounded at the core with floral edges and just a tantalising smudge of the honey to come. A prickle of spice on
the finish. Elegant. (TC)

DECANTER MAGAZINE WORLD WINE AWARDS
Tight, mineral style with lanolin, tropical fruit, good depth and excellent acidity.

INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Passion fruit nose with a touch of creamy richness. Ripe apricot and vanilla on the palate with a long, fresh, citrus finish

MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011
Equilibré, mûr et finement citronné

GUIDE DES VINS 2011 Patrick Dussert-Gerber
Ample et florale, de bouche suave et fraîche à la fois, très bien vinifié

LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & MIllau
Pur chenin du Sud, on le retrouve d'emblée au nez sur les mirabelles et de l'abricot. La texture de bouche est ample, consistante jouant aussi sur l'équilibre.

WINE ENTHUSIAST MAGAZINE (Editor's Choice) 90 pts.
This 100% Chenin Blanc is a beautiful example of what the variety can express: soft florals loaded with garrigue notes alongside tropical fruit aromas of mango, guava and pineapple. It's vibrant in the mouth, with moderate acidity and a lifting backbone of lemon verbena. The finish lingers gracefully, and overall the wine is ripe and attractive without being sweet or cloying. L.B

ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
This 2008 is light golden in colour, with some honeyed leafy notes and good fruit on the palate, with some underlying oak. The 2010 has only just been bottled – they will leave it in the cellar for at least 12 -1 8 months before releasing it. Again there was a touch of oak with some dry honey and a satisfying mouth feel with good acidity. It promises well, with good ageing potential. I have enjoyed mature vintages of this in the past.

LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Nez floral. Bouche ample et suave; énergique

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DÉDICACE 2009 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)

LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com:
100% Chenin Blanc, aged in barrels of up to 5 years old, but with 8% new. Apple and stoney mineral aromas. A lemony palate, with some tropical fruit notes, but more in the way of non-fruit/mineral flavours.

GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
Un excellent Limoux chenin blanc; ample et florale; de bouche suave et fraîche à la fois; très bien vinifié comme le chardonnay Limoux

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Citronné et fin, Dédicace présent plus de matiere en 2009.

GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2012
Robe or clair, brillante. Nez fin, minéral sur fond de fruits blancs. Bouche enveloppante, qui met en avant sa matière, son gras, sa puissance. Finale sur le fruit. Un limoux mâchu, à servir sur une viande blanche crémeuse. (médaille d'Or)

GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT GERBER 2013
... est ample et florale, de bouche suave et fraîche à la fois, très bien vinifié

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES October 2012
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%

THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
A pale golden hue here. The aromatics call to mind some classic varietal elements, with notes of straw and light, crystalline, golden fruits, and there is also a nice edge of minerally crunch to it as well. It certainly seems fresh and defined which is welcome in this vintage. This first impression is backed up on the palate, which although showing a lightly creamed, lemon curd element through the middle also has good acidity, this providing some backbone along with some appealing grip as well. It feels really quite energetic and citrus-spritzy in the midpalate, before softening a little towards the end. Overall, a good wine. 16.5/20 (December 2012)

DÉDICACE 2010 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE SUR LE MILLÉSIME 2010:
Joliment citronnée, la matiere tranchante se montre élancée. Réussite Exceptionnelle.

LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Lots of prickly acidity here, balanced by some creamy oak and tropical fruits and lemon oil. Beautifully fresh and zesty in the mouth, but with some complexity too. Good length. Of the 2 vintages, I definitely prefer this one. As a footnote, we have enjoyed a whole bottle of this wine, over the last couple of days and it really is a classy wine - swathes of classic Chenin fruit on the nose and palate, with notes of wet wool, lemon curd, tangy apple and serious minerality, which puts me in mind of a bone dry Vouvray.

LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE La Revue du Vin de France :
Est un peu en retrait, mais sa finesse et sa discrete amertume sonnent tres juste.

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES October 2012
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%

LEON STOLARSKI
100% Chenin Blanc. A subtle nose of spring flowers, peach, orange and herbs. Steely dry, with plenty of Chenin character and minerality, with cracking lemony acidity.

HET LAATSTE NIEUWS (XTRA) Luc Meyermans, Belgium
Witte perzik en pompelmoes. Zuidelijke chenin, wat voller van smaak, maar voldoende fris, met licht bittere, nootachtige finale.

DRINKS HOTELS James Lawther MW
Pale yellow colour. Appely aroma with a hint of honeyed complexity. Palate round on attrack but nervy acidity behind. Lively, appetizing wine.

THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
This is 100% Chenin Blanc. A pale lemon gold hue. The nose is very reminiscent of youthful Aussie Semillon at first, with a very firm, defined, slightly honeyed and creamy-curdy lemon fruit character on the nose. It is certainly fresh and bright, but also very firm. On the palate it is full and robust, with lemon and stone, and plenty of grip and substance behind it. An impressively solid and confident mouthful. Vigorous and full of sour and fully expressed fruit. A good effort here. 16/20 (December 2012)

DÉDICACE 2011 (AOC Limoux chenin blanc)

THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
This is 100% Chenin Blanc. Pale straw hue. The nose is fruit-rich, expressive, with some tropical tinges to it, especially melon, but also with some citrus tinges, providing a bright and cool frame. There is also a little edge of chalky pith, and a lick of cashew nut, from the oak perhaps? The palate is full, cool, with plenty of style, supple and yet with good weight and character, but it still shows a bright and defined midpalate. There is some grip in he finish here. There is oak here, but it shows through structure more than flavour. Good.

CUVEE OCCITANIA 2002 (AOC Limoux mauzac)

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE:
« Expression d'un pur mauzac limouxin et saveurs originales de pommes compotées.»
The expression of a real Limoux mauzac and original flavours of cooked apples.

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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2003 (AOC Limoux mauzac)

DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS 2005 Judges' Tasting Notes:
"Fresh lemony apple nose, pure, clean precise palette, well-crafted wine."

LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS A PETITS PRIX 2006:

"Doré aux nuances vertes, ce pur mauzac est un vie de culture qui ne plaira pas à tous, avec sa bouche très riche, son absence totale d'acidité et ses notes d'amande amère en finale. Une cuvée originale à servir jeune et fraiche." (8/10)


LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE:

« Bouche grasse, riche, tendue en fin de bouche. Le mauzac le plus équilibre...»


Full in the mouth, rich, lingering length. A most balanced mauzac.

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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2004 (AOC Limoux mauzac)

THE WINE DOCTOR (Chris Kissack)

A fascinating cuvée made from 100% Mauzac, barrel-fermented in French oak followed by ten months in same, a treatment very much in evidence when tasting. A well-coloured almost shimmering golden hue in the clear bottle and in the glass. A nose of oiled oak barrel with an appealing, honeyed, oatmeal character; this sort of seasoning may very well be necessary with this fairly neutral high-acid variety, although as this is the only example of pure Mauzac in existence I naturally have no prior experience! Very fresh impact on the palate, despite the overlay of mealy oak, helped by the expected but very well defined acidity. Nicely filled out on the palate, underpinned by some fairly obvious grippy oak tannin. Slowly fading finish. Good quality is evident here. Likely to show some benefit from a year or two in the cellar, I think.

FRANK VAN DER AUWERA; DM Magazine Belgium:

Wow! a 100% mauzac made from grapes that swing. Intensely straw-yellow, with a fine oak-touched bouquet, filled out with acacia-honey, apricots, Cape apples and nougat. Lovely and creamy in the mouth, with alot of peach and apricots, vanilla in the finish. A delicious food wine.

Wow, een 100% cuvée van Mauzac - druiven die swingen. Intens strogeel, met een naar fijne eik geurend boeket, aangevuld met acacia-honing, abrikozen, Kaapse appelen nougat. Lekker romig in de mond, met veelperzik en abrikoos, uitlopend in een vanillefinale. Heerlijke maaltijdwijn.

THE IRISH INDEPENDENT; Catherine Donnelly:

'a full-flavoured white wine reminiscent of orchard fruits and nuts with good acidity'

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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2005 (AOC Limoux mauzac)

HUBRECHT DUIJKER; Flying Dutchman:

Een Limoux, Cuvée Occitania gedoopt, die dankzij het hout een zachte kruidigheid kreeg plus wat vanille en specerijen, allemaal extra's die mauzacs eigen fruit van appel, peer en citrus completeren, wat dimensie geven.

Thanks to its vinification in oak, this Limoux called Cuvée Occitania, gets extra dimension and some vanilla and spicy complements to the mauzac's natural fruit of apple, pear and citrus."

JANCIS ROBINSON

Bravo! It has aged very convincingly - not unlike Chenin at this age. Dense, a bit toastier with a little bit more honey. This Mauzac character can certainly age in bottle. Really interesting. Their last bottle apparently... (tasted in 2009)

MIDI LIBRE based on jury's verdict of the Concours des Grands Vins du Languedoc Roussillon:
"Beautiful nectar! From the very tops of its towers, Chateau Rives-Blanques has produced a Cuvée Occitania blessed with a beautiful robe of gold shot with light nuances of green. The nose is fine, elegant, subtly buttery. Notes of white flowers, gorse and ripe apricots dominate. The mouth is complex, with a touch of honey in the finish. Pure pleasure!"

Beau nectar! Du haut de ses tours, le chateau Rives-Blanques a produit, en 2005, une cuvée Occitania dotée d'une belle robe or avec des nuances vert très clair. Son nez est fin, élégant,
subtilement beurré. Des notes de fleurs blanches, de genêts et d'abricots mûrs dominent. Sa bouche est complexe, avec une pointe de miel et une finale légèrement toastée. Que du bonheur!

LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:

Joli Cuvée Occitania franc et floral, de bouche friande avec ces senteurs de garrigue.

DECANTER WORLD WINE AWARDS Jury's Notes:
Lovely weight of fruit with floral hints and some peach. Good acidity.

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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2006
No independent tasting notes exist for this vintage, as it was entirely bought by KLM for their World Business Class.

CUVEE OCCITANIA 2007 (AOC Limouc Mauzac)

LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009:
Il associe la richesse sudiste et la fraîchure des amers limouxins. 2007 montre pour la première fois une grande fraîchure, délicat dans la finale amandée.

HUBRECHT DUIJKER, Wine Writer:

Discovering this rare Limoux is an extraordinary pleasure. The 2007 tastes both firm and full, with juicy fruit of apples, pears and some citrus, while also offering mild vanilla, a soft spiciness, a hint of liquorice and some toast – a refreshing alternative for the ever-present chardonnay.

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 CUVEE OCCITANIA 2008 (AOC Limoux Mauzac)


LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE Les Plus Beaux Vins du Millésime 2008:
Bon volume pour ce mauzac au fruit croquant, ample, pur et grais, très belle vivacité, c'est savoureux, très bien construit. Un blanc nerveux et séduisant.
Great volume in this crunchy-fruit mauzac, it is ample, pure, fat with lovely vivacity - very savoury and very well made. A nervous and seductive white wine.

DE TIJD, Belgium; Frank van der Auwera's Bottle of the Week:

"Een originele, hyperfrisse wijn. Schitterende strogele kleurspiegel met groene glans, kristal-helder. Boeket nog relatief gesloten, maar toch al met perzik en groene pruim, lichtjes floraal. In de mond bijzonder pittig en fris, met impressies van groene en gele pruimen, perzik en mineralen, levendig qua aciditeit. De eik is absoluut niet dominant. Nog enorm strak en vif, maar uit ervaring weet ik dat deze cuvée prima kan verouderen en pas dan zijn complexiteit toont."

"An original, hyper-fresh wine. Gorgeous green-sheened straw-yellow in colour, crytal clear. Bouquet a bit closed, but still with peach and green plums, lightly floral. In the mouth, very feisty and fresh, with impressions of green and yellow plums, peaches and minerals, lively in acidity. Oak absolutely not dominant. I know from experience that this cuvée ages well, and then its true complexity will express itself."

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2010 Gerbelle & Maurange :
Franc, croquant, avec une fraîcheur citronnée

FINANCIELE DAGBLAD Hubrecht Duijker :

"... milde roosteraroma's en andere houtinvloeden heel beheerst aanwezig zijn en de bijna gulle smaak vooral getypeerd wordt door sappig fruit van witte vruchten en citrus"

... gentle smoke aromas and other influences from the wood are very discreet, so that the generous taste is primarily driven by the juicy fruit flavours of citrus and white fruits

JANCIS ROBINSON

Green tinge. Interesting, correct varietal expression with real verve on the finish. Apples and density and great balance. Really tastes relaxed and as though it belongs here. Good individuality. 13% 16.5 Drink 2009-12


WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack

This cuvée, 100% Mauzac, is sourced from a 2 hectare plot just below the main plain where majority of the Rives-Blanques vines sit. The plot is nearing agriculture biologique certification. Fermented and raised in oak, for 6 months in total, with bâtonnage twice per week. The label declares Nostra terra mentis pas (our soil doesn't lie). Very aromatic on the nose, with white peach and other stone fruits. A lovely, full style on the palate, better defined than the VdP above. Full, fresh, substantial but dry and fresh. A good example of this indigenous variety. 16.5+/20 (July 2009)

GAMBERO ROSSO by Giuseppi Carrus (April 2010)

" Al naso emergono note de cereali, albicocca e frutta secca. In bocca è ricco carnoso, ma mostra mineralità e fresschezza che lo rendono nitido, pulito e dalla beva elegante."

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Lots of intensity! Perfumed, like burying your nose in yellow mimosa blossoms. Minerality and lemon citrus with honey-tinged saffron and acacia, gorse flowers and delicate spice. Quite defined texture, almost tactile. So unusual. Richly curved and creamy but finishing long and lifted and fine. I know I get a bit romantic, but sipping this is like turning the pages of an ancient story book complete with hand-painted pictures. I fell in love with this wine! (TC)

VINUM MAGAZINE GERMANY (May 2010)
Verfuehrerische Aromatik, zeigt Fuelle, endet angenehm fruchtig und mineralisch. Zuverlaessig und gefaellig. 2010-2012

GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Bettane & Desseauve
Limoux avec une acidité épurée, long et fin. La finale est soutenue par une pointe d'amertume présente.

LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
Limoux apparaît ici sur des touches de fruits blancs pochés et de miel d'acacia. La bouche se remarque par son amplitude et un fumé délicat délivrant une minéralité séduisante.

CUVEE OCCITANIA 2009 (AOC Limoux Mauzac)

DE DUIZEND VAN DUIJKER by Hubrecht Duijker
... de milde roosteraroma's en andere houtinvloeden zijn heel beheerst, en de bijna gulle smaak wordt vooral getypeerd door sappig fruit van witte vruchten en citrusfruit.

THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
This is 100% Mauzac, once again fermented and aged for 6 months in oak barrels. The aromas suggest very ripe/cooked apples, spices, vanilla and cream. The palate is bone dry and quite neutral (i.e. not overtly fruity) but nevertheless very “winey”, with a refreshing zestiness and minerality. Long, too.

DECANTER MAGAZINE (February 2011)
Pear, apple and floral notes on both nose and palate. Barrel fermentation gives a smooth, round, supple texture. Dry finish. (***)

ANDREWJEFFORD.COM By Andrew Jefford (February 2011)
Fresh, light scents: apple blossom, cucumber, celery. On the palate, fresh, acidic, tonic, with a prim, mineral-salt finish. Taste this, and you suddenly realise why sparkling wines make sense around here. It's not that it's been short of hang-time: the alcohol is 13.5%. The eight months in (seasoned) oak and twice-weekly batonnage have brushed a kiss across the surface of the wine, yet so gothic and upright is its spirit that you might never even notice. A fascinating curiosity.

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES
Very pale. Vital, green aromas - very fresh and beautifully tense. Lots of acidity. Quite long. Seems as though it lasts quite well. (16pts)

STEVEN SPURRIER DECANTER MAGAZINE (Steven Recommends ...)
A fine example of the mauzac grape, planted only in Limoux and nearby Gaillac and used mostly to give acidity to the local sparkling wines: lovely florality and fresh apple fruit, refreshing and original.

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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2010 (AOC Limoux mauzac)

ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
A pure Mauzac, from grapes that are picked at the end of the harvest, so three weeks than for the sparkling wine. Caryl is very enthusiastic about Mauzac; she loves it and people had stopped making it. ‘It’s a real Cinderella’, and not really appreciated, so they decided to have a go at a still Mauzac back in 2003 and it has now become a regular part of their repertoire, but so far only one other producer has followed their example. The wine has only just been bottled, so oak does dominate the palate for the moment, but with a satisfying mouthful, with good acidity, a herbal hint and some nutty notes. It will be intriguing to see how it develops.

LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
100% Mauzac, aged in older oak barrels. There is actually some creamy, quite coconutty oak showing at the moment, but with bags of exotic fruit salad aromas. The palate has real depth and complexity - lime, apple, peach and apricot flavours, with soft spices and a touch of herbiness thrown in for good measure. Rich and delicate at the same time, and with really excellent length. A pure Mauzac table wine is a rare beast, even in Limoux, but this one doesn't need bubbles to show its class.

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Ne manque pas de finesse et de fraicheur dans ses saveurs de poire.

SOMMELIER WINE AWARDS (GOLD MEDAL)
Perfume and a 'beautiful structure' won the day with this elegant white. A fresh nose of nectarines and fresh citrus mingles with mimosa blossom, nuts and a light butteriness, while the multi-layered palate is long and well balanced. Think Dover Sole or other aristocratic white fish.

GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2013
D'une couleur paille claire, le nez possede une grande finesse aromatique. Notes citronnées en bouche. Elégant par sa fraicheur, ce vin ne manque pas de droiture.

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CUVEE OCCITANIA 2011 (AOC Limoux mauzac)

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE (Best Bottles of Vintage 2011, barrel sample)
Ce pur mauzac évoque la pomme verte; la matiere est droite, tendue, stricte, mais élancée

LEON STOLARSI
Mauzac. Quite oaky on the nose, but with plenty of orange blossom, fruit and herby notes too. Rich and again oaky on the palate, but nicely integrated.

HET LAATSTE NIEUWS (Xtra) Luc Meyermans, Belgium
Fris geschonken, ontwikkelt de Occitania fijne aroma's van lindebloesem en acacia, groene appel en kweepeer. Behoorlijk mollig maar ook fris complex, uitmondend in een aangename afdrink.

THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
A vibrant, pale straw gold here. Fresh orchard fruits on the nose, lightly polished with the grey sheen of oak. Very stylish, feeling rather harmonious. A full, supple, fleshy and yet also bright and defined character on the palate. There is a good texture to it, with a good weight of fruits, partly from the orchard, partly citrus, but certainly fresh and defined. Plenty of good depth and substance here; a rich and characterful rather than delicate wine. This feeling is reinforced by a pithy bite to it in the end which I like, a bright and crunchy grip, and a long finish. 16.5/20 (December 2012)

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LE LIMOUX 2010 (AOC Limoux blend)

DE VOLKSKRANT: Onno Kleyn
Een Chardonnay uit het Zuid-Franse Limoux is het, maar eentje die geurt en smaakt als een witte Bourgogne. Het is een wijn die ver is uitgestegen boven enkelvoudige aanduidingen als ‘ruikt naar perzik’. Hij heeft zoveel aan boord dat de kenners fronsend uitkomen op ‘complex’. Dat betekent niet moeilijk, maar rijk geschakeerd. Dit is voorname wijn, trillend als een espenblad, met boventonen als de viool van Janine Jansen. Hoor ik daar nu Mozart? Nee, het is Poulenc.

HUBRECHT DUIJKER http://hubrechtduijker.com/actueel-maandmagazine/
Een innovatie als vondst is Le Limoux 2010 van Château Rives Blanques. Eigendom van het Nederlandse echtpaar Jan en Caryl Panman. Dat op hun domein voor het eerst drie druivenrassen met elkaar combineerde, uit het aanvankelijk koele oogstjaar 2010. Die variëteiten zijn de regionale mauzac, de chardonnay en de chenin blanc. Het resultaat is een lekkere Limoux, goed gevuld en met elementen van appel/peer/perzik, een toefje zuidvruchten, een klein kruidje en beheerst wat eikenhout.

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
Le Limoux offre une matiere franche et une fruit expressif

LE GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2013
Robe dorée. Nez expressifs aux notes florales. Bouche pleine, suave, avec une finale sur des notes vanillées.

GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2013
Rond, fruité et subtil, un vin tres aromatique

THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
Bottled under screwcap. A very attractive and well defined nose, with bright and expressive fruit, melons and peaches, with minerally, stony, smoky nuances rather than too sweet a character. The palate is full, expressive, and like the nose defined and bright. The texture feels supple, nicely balanced with an underpinning of pithy substance and an appealing, mouth-watering acidity, leading into a firm and grippy finish. A very attractive wine indeed. 15.5/20 (December 2012)

LEON STOLARSKI
A blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. Delightful aromas of honeysuckle, orchard fruits, orange blossom and lime oil, with a strong sense of minerality, along with subtle hints of flowers, herbs and freshly-cut hay. Quite rich and intensely fruity on entry, with a touch of earthiness and gentle orangey acidity, countered by strong minerality and a delightful pithiness at the end. Barrel fermentation (as is the rule for all AOC Limoux wines) has imparted a gentle florality and elegance, rather than any overt oakiness. As a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, this is the perfect expression of what the still white wines of Limoux are all about - and is absolutely delicious.

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LA TRILOGIE 2005 (AOC Limoux blend)

LE GUIDE DES VINS 2008 - PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:
Un Limoux aux aromes de fleurs, suave et puissant, d'une très belle persistance aromatique en bouche.

A Limoux with aromas of flowers, smooth and powerful, with great aromatic persistence in the mouth

LE POINT 6 September 2007 - Olivier Bompas:
"Mandarin, stewed fruits, unctuous and fresh, round, mineral freshness, long, a real thoroughbred."
Mandarine, fruits confits, onctueux et frais, gras, fraîchure minérale, long et racé

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LA TRILOGIE 2006 (AOC Limoux blend)

LE GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2009, Bettane & Desseauve:

Le nez est pur et la finale délicate, citronnée, sur l'amande amère. L'ensemble est rafraîchissant avec une élégance raffinée

LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2009, Olivier Poussier:
Les notes exotiques du chenin répondent aux saveurs florales du chardonnay, sur les fondations d'un mauzac sans pesanteur. La balance de l'élevage, entre le bois et la cuve, participe à l'harmonie de ce blanc aromatique et charnu.

GUIDE DES VINS 2009 GILBERT GAILLARD :

Robe d'un jaune clair lumineux. Nez expressif mêlant notes florales, citronnées et minérales. Un style opulent, gras, fondu. Un vin blanc riche à déguster sur un poisson cuisiné ou une viance blanche.

A light yellow, luminous robe. Nose: expressive, mixing floral, lemony and mineral notes. Opulent and round. A rich white wine, to accompany fish and white meats.

LA REVUE DU VIN DE FRANCE - Antoine Gerbelle :

Jamais cet assemblage de chenin, chardonnay, et mauzac n'a possédé autant d'équilibre. Les notes exotiques du chenin répondent aux saveurs florales du chardonnay sur les fondations d'un mauzac apaisé

Never has there been such a successfully balanced blend of chardonnay, chenin and mauzac. The exotic notes of chenin answer the floral tones of chardonnay, on a calm foundation of mauzac.

GUIDE DES VINS 2009 DE PATRICK DUSSERT-GERBER:

Aux aromes de fleurs, suave et puissant, d'une belle persistence aromatique.

GUIDE HUBERT 2008 - Pierre Casamayor:

Un nez subtile, avec des notes de coing, pêche blanche, tisane, boisées. La bouche a du gras, une belle expression aromatique, de la fraîchure.

A subtle nose, with notes of quince, white peaches, herbal tea. Rich in the mouth with a lovely aromatic expression, fresh

INTERNATIONAL WINE & SPIRITS COMPETITION - Judges Verdict:

Lemony yellow pale colour. Lovely nose, juicy fat grainy white pear and almond biscuit. Rich clean fruit aromas with sweet oak. Medium weight palate leads to an elegant and stylish long finish.

LEKKER 2009 - Gert Crum:

Hij heeft sap en frisheid, biedt veel relief, en heeft fijne lengte ... mijn ontdekking van 2008

Fruity and fresh on many levels, with great length - my discovery of 2008

LE PROGRES (LYON) - Yves Espaignet :

Cet assemblage de Chardonnay, du cépage traditionnel Mauzac et de Chenin est délicat à construire mais un coup d'audace réussi avec des sensations onctueuses, épicées et des arômes complexes de sous bois et de vanille. Le boisé est à peine perceptible. Un vin pour les réveillons
Un vin difficile à trouver car à peine 2600 bouteilles produites.
“...difficult to put together, but a daring success: smooth , creamy and spicy sensations, very
complex aromas, underpinned by hardly noticeable wood”.

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LA TRILOGIE 2007


GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2010 - Bettane & Desseauve :
Cette cuveé est construite sur une base de trois cépages bien implantes en Limouxin, le chenin, le chardonnay et le mauzac. Le nez est pur et la finale délicate, citronnée, sur l'amande amère. L'ensemble est rafraîchissant avec une élégance raffinée, tendue.


JANCIS ROBINSON
Amazingly, the Mauzac seems to dominate the nose, but perhaps that is just because it is the least familiar to me. Good balance, just off dry and quite tangy. I could imagine this with a good paté... That hint of sweetness needs something to offset it. 13% 16 Drink 2009-11

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LA TRILOGIE 2008


www.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
Only bottled two weeks ago, this is a blend of all three Limoux varieties, with 50% Chardonnay, the remainder Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. It is selected from the best barrels and then blended. Obviously youthful on the nose, with sweet and aromatic fruit with a pear character. The palate is really very good; full and sweetly endowed, with notes of jasmine over the pear fruit. Elegant,floral, balanced and aromatic, with a little meatiness towards the end, this is very good indeed. 17-17.5+/20 (July 2009)

... retasted in July 2012: Perhaps the domaine’s most successful wine, this is a blend of the three varieties of Limoux, Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc and Mauzac. There is also some oak here too, as evident on the nose, which although attractive with its sweet citrus tones reminiscent of orange zest and orange oils, rich and defined, there are also cashew nut edges from the barrels. I also find some peachy notes, and a scented character, giving it a very lightly musky edge, as well as hints of acacia. On the palate it has a sense of tense, structured poise, with lightly pithy fruit, dry and grippy, with good fruit texture. There is still quite some grip reflecting the oak élevage here. And it is still very primary, at not-quite four years of age. Clearly there is some serious potential for further development here, a thought reinforced by the wine’s sappy, lengthy, grippy finish. This is one that should have been left in the cellar.

GUIDE DES VINS DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2010 - Gerbelle & Maurange :

approfondit avec succès la veine des précédents millésimes en alliant volume, tonicité et equilibre. La fraîcheur et la précision du millésime en blanc lui vont admirablement.

GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2011
Robe or clair, brillante. Nez fin mêlant fleurs blanches, amande, fruits à chair blanche. Belle ampleur dès l'attaque, très jolie fraîcheur, un vin blanc plein et aérien affichant une belle persistance. Beau vin de gastronomie

Brilliant light gold colour. Delicate nose with a blend of white flowers, almond and white flesh fuits. Instantly full on the attack, wonderful freshness. A full, ethereal wine, displaying great length. Perfectly suited to formal meals.

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Pale gold, and the heady perfume surges out of the glass. Gleaming fruit. Rich and powerful and utterly delicious. A nuttiness with firm acidity, there are layers and layers here; mango notes overlay creme brûlée, a shimmer of spice, the merest brush of chantilly cream. Yet for all that there is still beautiful definition. Complete. (TC)

INTERNATIONAL WINE CHALLENGE
Pear drop nose with a crunchy citrus palate. Intense with a nice ripe apple fruit finish


LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
La Trilogie livre un partition qui laisse venir des notes de coing, de bois fumé et de craie. La bouche est juste solaire et charnue, avec une find fraîchure.

LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Matière étonnante d intensité; un peu marquée par le bois, mais l ensemble est de qualité

LA TRILOGIE 2009

ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com

No prizes for working out that Trilogie means all three white grape varieties of Limoux. The proportions vary with the vintage, but Mauzac accounts for about half the blend in 2009, while the 2010 includes more Chardonnay. Quite rounded; quite textured palate, youthful with layers of flavour and depth and a hint of honey on the finish

LE GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
D`une couleur paille, vin possedant un nez très aromatique. La bouche est développée avec de la densité, mais il y un peu de sécheresse en finale à ce jour

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Conjuge volume et allonge, avec des touches finement épicées et un bel équilibre.

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LA TRILOGIE 2010

JANCIS ROBINSON (Purple Pages October 2012)
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%

LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
A blend of Mauzac, Chenin Blanc and Chardonnay. Complex and very winey on the nose, with notes of Calvados, apple pie, cloves and herbs, and with oak very much in the background. Apple and peach flavours on the palate. Really quite refined and complex - and very persistent. Lovely.

LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
La Trilogie montre en 2010 un supplément de volume et d'allonge, tres apprétant dans ses saveurs de pamplemousse jaune.

LE GUIDE BETTANE & DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2013
Osmose réussit entre les trois cépages, chardonnay, chenin et mauzac, composant cette cuvée. Un nez expressif, une bouche grasse, suave et énergique donnant un vin complet et généreux.

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SAUVAGEON 2008


WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM By Chris Kissack:
A new project, only started in 2007 (in a non-commercial quantity) this is a 100% Sauvignon Blanc cuvée. Managed in a manner akin to the Limoux wines, this means barrel-fermented Sauvignon with a short period of barrel age before bottling. The nose belies the variety, although the palate has more in common with the estate's various Limoux cuvées than with any Sauvignon preconceptions you might bring to this wine. Full, substantial palate, sweet and almost nutty, this is as far from Marlborough Sauvignon as you could get. I know some people find the combination of oak and Sauvignon to be the devil's work, but I really like this. 16-16.5+/20 (July 2009)

... retasted in July 2012 This is barrel fermented, and is not your average Sauvignon Blanc. On the nose there is a firm, rocky minerality, and exotic fruit elements suggestive of stone fruit and pear skin, although with a deep, savoury, wild and feral character. Alongside is a richer, toffee-melon edge most probably a residual element from the oak. It also has an appealing matchsticky element to it which gives it a really attractive feel, and which enhances the minerality. The palate has a similarly well defined savoury substance, surprisingly deep with a good meaty-fruit character. A fine substance, with fresh, defining acidity here, and overall a really very attractive, pithy, tropical style backed up by a dense phenolic backbone, giving a slightly bitter streak – attractively so – into the finish. It is pretty long too. Lots of winemaking and style here, but overall I like this. 16/20 (July 2012)

JANCIS ROBINSON
Relatively deep straw for a Sauvignon. Reminds me on the nose of New World wines in the 1990s. Lots of fruit there and even quite fat and peachy. A million miles from the current fashion for dry 'minerality'. On its own rather off-mainstream terms this could give pleasure

GUIDE DES VINS GILBERT & GAILLARD 2011
Robe jaune clair lumineuse. Nez bien mûr évoquant la pêche blanche, les agrumes. Un sauvignon
ample, gras, équilibré par la fraîcheur. La palette aromatique s'enrichit d'une note vanillée.
L'ensemble est persistant, à déguster sur des crustacés.

Bright pale yellow colour. Very ripe nose suggestive of white peach and citrus. A full-bodied, fat sauvignon, balanced by freshness. The aromatic range is enhanced by vanilla notes. Great length. Serve with shellfish.

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Very tropical, lots of very sweet ripe pineapple on the nose. Tropical opulence with lots of freshness and packed with Kiwi fruit, green mango and pineapple. A herbal gorse-bush top note. Quite unexpected (TC)

GUIDE DES VINS 2011 Patrick Dussert-Gerber
Un pur sauvignon, dont le nom évoque une forte personalité aromatique et un caractère bien marqué, finement bouqueté, suave, parfait sur des filets de sole.

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SAUVAGEON 2009


LES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Gault & MIllau
On trouve ici une vision toute différente du sauvignon. Plus ensoleillé, il laisse apparaître des notes de fruits exotiques doublées en bouche par une chair ample et consistante.

THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski
Chateau Rives-Blanques Sauvageon 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc Sauvignon Blanc, from vines planted as recently as 2006. Sauvignon is not a variety permitted by the Limoux AOC, so this has to be labelled as a vin de pays, but it benefits from the same oak treatment as the Cuvée de l'Odyssée. And it makes for a really interesting, quirky wine. The nose is oaky and buttery, but with lots of other aromas, such as lime and mandarin, fennel, cloves and herbs. The palate is again quite oaky, but adds structure, rather than dominating, with some quite intense flavours of orange, honey, apple pie and spice. It is very long and very interesting. I want some!

ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
Sauvageon is the clue that it is Sauvignon, but they didn’t want to put Sauvignon on the label. 2009 was the second vintage, after a very small crop in 2008, for the vines were planted in 2005. As for Limoux, the wine is fermented in barrel and the oak is nicely integrated, with some restrained Sauvignon fruit and good body and texture with balancing acidity. A harmonious mouthful, promising well with some bottle age.

GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012 + 2013
Goûtez ce pur sauvignon dont le no, évoque une forte personnalité et un caractère bien marqué, finement bouqueté; suave; parfait sur des filets de sole

LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2012
Elevé en fût de chêne, aux arômes de boissé, de fumé et de noisette grillée; agrémentés de notes citronnées et au palais ample et gras

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SAUVAGEON 2010

100% young-vine Sauvignon Blanc, aged in barrels, 30% new. Hints of elderflower and pea pod on the nose. The fruit flavours are zesty and delicate, whilst the oak adds complexity without dominating. Although neither Sancerre nor Marlborough in style, I guess you could say it combines aspects of both - and the result is a really lovely wine.

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
un peu exotique et graissé par le bois

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Vendange d'Automne 02 'JAN'

CHENIN DU MONDE: Jury's Comment
« La robe brillant couleur jaune d'or intense soutenu aux reflets ambrés s'ouvre sur un nez aux odeurs intenses de fruits exotiques confits, peau d'orange, caramel et notes boisées. La bouche
puissante, au moelleux bien affirmé, agréablement équilibrée par le fruité et la fraîchure, offre une bonne persistance. Beau vin. »

The brilliant, intense yellow gold colour of this wine, reinforced by shots of amber leads to intense aromas of cooked exotic fruits, orange peel, and caramel on the nose. Strong and persistent on the palate, with a happy balance of freshness and fruitiness. A handsome wine.

Vendange d'Hiver 2004 "XAXA"
GUIDE DES VINS 2009 GILBERT & GAILLARD:

Robe doré soutenu. Nez de raisins confits, légèrement muscaté. La bouche conjugue concentration et élégance sur le même registre friand. Belle longueur et une finale d'abricots secs, d'éxorces d'orange. Un vin original. (87 pts)

Deep gold robe. Nose of jammy raisins, slightly muscaty. The mouth unites concentration and elegance on the same gastronomic level. Good length finishing in dried apricots and orange rind. An original wine.

1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM:

Un vin remarkable. Les senteurs de miel alternent avec des parfums de résine, c’est très fin. La saveur d’écorce d’orange donne de l’élégance à cette belle réalisation. A aucun moment il n’y a de la lourdeur et c’est un bonheur que cette finale de tarte sablée.
Conservation : A boire dans les 6 ans

EGMONT LABADIE:
Le nez début sur des arômes de maturité, de figue, voire de chocolat, avant de passer à l'abricot, avec une pointe alcoolique, et une légère acidité volatile. L'attaque est confite, avec une très jolie saveur d'abricot, de prune, légère, authentique. Il n'y a pas de lourdeur sucrée, la mâche, minérale, est très bonne, elle évoque le zeste de citron confit et la rose.La rétroolfaction est abricotée, légère et savoureuse, en persistance on pense à un abricot bien mûre, de couleur orange foncé.C'est un beau vin moëlleux à la limite du liquoreux, simple dans ses arômes, mais très pur, très décontracté, très agréable à boire, avec une élégante et guillerette fin acidulée.

JANCIS ROBINSON Smoky, tobacco, not luscious though certainly with a high sugar content but dry on the finish. This is surely for foie gras! Very toasty and clean and refreshing. 14%

GUIDE HUBERT DES VINS Pierre Casamayor
Joli nez miellé, de nougat, de fruits jaunes confits, de noisettes grillées. La bouche est bien équilibrée entre suavité et fraîcheur, avec une finale allongée


WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack
This curiosity is a late harvest style, 60% Chenin Blanc harvested in November, and 40% Mauzac harvested in January 2005. There is no tradition or recognition of this style in the region, so it is classed as a vin de table . It has 90 g/l of residual sugar. An intense orange-fruit nose, with candied peach and apricot too. Sweet, full, quite elegant, with good acidity and freshness. Firm
with a gentle substance. Really very appealing wine with a sweet, characterful finish. 16+/20 (July 2009)

... retasted in July 2012: The domaine’s sweet wine. A slightly burnished lemon gold hue in the glass, golden but with deep and dusty hints at times. The nose carries some sweetness, with scents reminiscent of lemons and marmalade, the lift of the fresh citrus fruit combining quite nicely with the sweet, lightly perfumed, orange-tinged richness. I find an overt sweetness on the start of the palate, but this is offset by a steely structure and a slightly bitter frame. This persists through the wine, which shows a dusty and very tangible substance in the very middle, a feature which stays alive right through to the finish, where a more savoury, spicy element dominates. The considerable length is where this bitter structure materialises most readily. An attractive wine. 15.5/20

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010)
Deep gold. It smells of golden sultanas and honey, orange and lemon peel. Lovely pithy bitterness with toffee and honey flavours. Very very fresh. Smoky dried fig, toasted cumin and caraway. Dusty carpenter notes on the finish with the echo of lemon peel.

Lagremas d'Aur 2006

ANDREWJEFFORD.COM by Andrew Jefford (February 2011)

Aromatically compelling: rich, ripe melon mixed with lots of waxy honeycomb. It has the kind of balance and appeal of a vin de paille from the Jura … in other words its 70 g/l of sugars are amply and refreshingly matched by vivid, intense acidity. Grape, apple, pear, quince, orange and orange zest, too; not a lot of glycerol, but vinous. A perfect aperitif style: delicious and dangerously sippable.

ROSEMARY GEORGE MW TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com
This is late harvest Chenin Blanc and Mauzac, harvested in January. There is a little botrytis, but the grapes are mostly raisined. The name means tears of gold, and you could say, that it is what the wine looks like, with quite a deep golden colour, with fresh honey and barley sugar on the nose, and more on the palate, with some fresh fruit and some roasted hints of botrytis. 70 gms/l residual sugar remains. It is absolutely delicious, and perfect with fruit puddings.

LEON STOLARSKI LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Made from late-harvested Chenin Blanc (60%) harvested in November and Mauzac (40%) harvested in November, fermented and aged in oak barrels for 3 years, followed by a further year in bottle before release. As with most (if not all) non-fortified sweet wines made in southern France, there is no AOC, so this qualifies only as a humble Vin de Table. But don't let that fool you, because it is delicious. It is at the same time floral, herby, minerally and crammed full with flavours of tropical fruits, soft citrus, apples, ginger and spice. Although - as with most late-harvested wines - there is a fair degree of natural sweetness, it also possesses a backbone of truly mouth-watering acidity, making for a tremendously sprightly wine, full of freshness and verve. In fact, I would hesitate to call it a full-on sweet wine, because it isn't thick or gloopy or syrupy - or even overtly sweet. Although I am loath to make comparisons, I'd compare it more with a sort of vendange tardive in the Alsace mode, or perhaps even a rich, off-dry botrytis-affected Semillon from the Hunter Valley. There is perhaps a touch of botrytis, as evidenced by a palpable whiff of honey, but any richness is down to paserillé - the drying of the grapes on the vine, prior to harvesting. Whatever the method, it is very more-ish!

GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
de bouche puissante et har,onieuse tout en suavité; au nez de druits mûrs; très bien équilibré

LE GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2013 La Revue du Vin de France
Ce vin présente des sucres déja fondus, un peu confits, mais une expression aromatique tres originale de miel d'acacia.

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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2003


CONCOURS MONDIAL DE BRUXELLES 2004:
« Un vin léger et agréable aux arômes discrets de fruits et d'agrumes que l'on retrouve en bouche. Un vin tout en fraicheur idéal pour l'apéritif.»
A light and agreeable wine with discreet aromas of fruit and citrus which return in the mouth. A fresh wine, ideal as an aperitif.

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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2005

GUIDE DES VINS DUSSERT-GERBER 2007:

Frais et fleuri, finement bouqueté, d'une jolie finale en bouche, très agréable
Fresh and floral, with a fine bouquet, a lovely finish, very agreeable.

CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2006

WIJNKOOPGIDS 2007 Frank van der Auwera
Intense sraw-gold in colour, the nose blossoms beautifully, and then smells of white peaches, laurel and nectarines. After that: impressions of mint, garden herbs and a basket full of white provencale peaches, very rich and original. And a different but nice, spicy little kick in a finish full of fruit.

Neem nu deze Zuid-Franse cuvée, afkomstig van een van de oudste domeinen uit de streek met een spectaculair uitzicht op de Pyreneeen, waar men exclusief witte wijn produceert. Deze wijn opent intens strogeel en met een neus die heerlihjk bloesemt en verder geurt naar witte perzik, laurier, en nectarines. Daarna: impressies van munt en tuinkruiden, een mond vol witte en Provencaalse perziken, heel vet en apart. Kruidig staartje. Anders, maak zeker zo lekker, met veel fruitvet. Schenken rond 10C.

CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2007


THE WINE GUIDE by Andreas Larsson, Best Sommelier in the World:
Fresh nose, young fruit, citrus and melon, clean and fresh palate, medium length, some structure"

PERSWIJN Oct 08:

Aangenaam, open, fris, bloemig, lichtvoetig en sappig, peer en wat appel, meloen, smakelijk.
(4 stars) Pleasurable, open, fresh, floral, light-footed and juicy, pears and a bit of apple, melon - tasty. (4 stars)

1001 DEGUSTATIONS.COM:
Un vin remarkable. La lumière sur le verre éclaire une robe teintée de reflets verts. Les parfums de fleurs d'oranger le disputent aux agrumes. Un vin un peu gras mais sans lourdeur, avec un bon équilibre. Un plaisir que cette saveur florale qui finit sur les fruits secs.Conservation : A boire dans les 3 ans

CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2008

Daily Mirror August 8 2009, Maurice Fitzmaurice
A recession-proof bargain: Light clear colour fresh style, great as an aperitif or with goats cheese, salads and lighter meat and fish dishes.


Tasting Notes from CEES VAN CASTEREN, Dutch wine writer
Helder, lichtgeel en groenglanzend. Rijpe geur van golden delicious, perzikbloesem en klaverhoning. Lichtjes floraal. Ook rond en rijp in de smaak met wederom perziken en abrikoosjes, een mooie fraicheur en lengte. Uitstekend aperitief of bij maaltijdsalades, pasta's en geroosterde kip met tomaatjes, tijm en gesmoorde ui.

Clean, green-glazed light yellow in colour. Rich aromas of golden delicious apples, peach blossom and clover honey. A floral touch. Also round and ripe in the mouth, with peaches and apricots, good freshness and length. Excellent aperitif wine, also to accompany salad-based meals, pastas, roast chicken with tomatos, thyme and blanched onion.

WWW.THEWINEDOCTOR.COM by Chris Kissack

Fermented in steel, with bâtonnage . No oak. Bottled under screwcap. Rather perfumed and floral on the nose, with the suggestion of sweet and plump fruit. Similarly sweetly ripe fruit on the palate, clean, bright, a little herbal. Soft edges. Pear and apple fruit. Nice, easy-drinking wine.

HUBRECHT DUIJKER on www.hubrechtduijker.com
Geurig, sappig, citrus, wit fruit, zachte zuren, een bescheiden kruidigheid.

Aromatic, juicy, citrus, white fruit, soft acidity, restrained spicyness.


Simon Woods on YouTube and www.simonwoods.com
Fresh and slightly yeasty, almost Mâcon-like in style, with appley notes (fresh and cooked), a touch of pear and a creamy finish.

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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2009

JANCIS ROBINSON PURPLE PAGES (May 2010):

Fruit is clear as a bell on the nose. Ripe and clean and expressive. Tropical notes, rounded, bright and cheerful. Bright citrus and good length. Great Value (TC)

GRAND GUIDE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2011 Bettane & Desseauve
Blanc racé, avec une finale où s'étirent de beaux amers de pamplemousse et d'agrumes.

GUIDE HACHETTE 2011
C'est un vin floral et fruité, gentiment beurré, qui réalise un bon équilibre entre le gras et l'acidité

MEILLEURS VINS DU FRANCE 2011 Gault & Millau
Le duo chardonnay-chenin forme ici un vin tendu, bien en chair toutefois mais qui n'oublie pas l'équilibre, avec des touches de pomme cuite et de poire.

DE DUIZEND VAN DUIJKER by Hubrecht Duijker

Een hele lekkere Chardonnay-Chenin Blanc: geurig, sappig,citrus, wit fruit, zachte zuren een bescheiden kruidigheid

THE LEON STOLARSKI BLOG by Leon Stolarski

Chateau Rives-Blanques Chardonnay du Domaine 2009 Vin de Pays d'Oc This is actually Chardonnay, with 15% Chenin Blanc, aged in vats (no oak). Lemony, herby, floral nose, with a hint of pear drops. Fairly full and rich on the palate, with a zesty, limey quality. A touch of pithiness on the finish. Not my favourite style of wine, but well made, and quite long, too.

SALLY EASTON MW on winewisdom.com
Englishwoman Caryl Panman said “every year we try to make a 100% chardonnay, and every year a little chenin just lifts the wine a bit”
Light, with melon and bruised pear flavours. Smooth texture, with good fruit intensity focused on freshness and fruitiness. Nicely appealing, gentle wine of good value.

GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
Blanc racé avec une finale où s étirent de beaux amers de pamplemousse et d agrumes

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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2010

ROSEMARY GEORGE MW http://TasteLanguedoc.blogspot.com

The blend is 90% Chardonnay to 10% Chenin Blanc. The grapes are machine harvested in the middle of the night, around 3 a.m. and then sorted and pressed and the wine bottled after a short élevage in vat. In contrast the appellation regulations for white Limoux demand an élevage in barrel. This is light and buttery, with some understated rounded fruit, a herbal hint and some fresh acidity.

LEON STOLARSKI http:// LeonStolarski.blogspot.com
Chardonnay, with 10% Chenin Blanc. A touch of peardrop on the nose to begin with, but this fades into the background to reveal some nice apple and floral notes. Medium-rich, slightly zesty, ripe and with a touch of leesy richness. This is lovely.

GUIDE BETTANE DESSEAUVE DES VINS DE FRANCE 2012
D une robe paille claire , ce vin offre une bouche ample, à la matière généreuse , du gras, et de l acidité qui le soutient dans sa longueur.

GUIDE DUSSERT-GERBER DES VINS 2012
au nez subtile, suave en bouche; bouqueté et ronde avec de notes florale persistantes. Pas de raison de s en priver

GUIDE DES MEILLEURS VINS DE FRANCE 2012 La Revue du Vin de France
Simple et sans bavures.

WIJNKOOPGIDS 2012 Frank van der Auwera
Na de strogele, nog groenglazende en vooral kirstalheldere kleur volgt een fijn en charmerend boeket, heel espressief, met conferencepeer, nectarine, witte perzik, appelbloesem en citroengras. Ook de smaak bevat pakken nectarine, peer, en witte perzik, is zijdezacht qua textuur, maar wordt opnieuw opgewonden door de citruszeste. Minerale, lange finale.

LE GUIDE HACHETTE DES VINS 2012
Cette cuvé à la robe pâle et cristalline et au nez complexe de fleurs et de fruits frais. La poire et les agrumes caractérisent le premier nez, puis ce sont les notes de pêche et de fruits éxotiques qui s'impose. La bouche est équilibrée par une belle fraîchure, qui laisse une impression de légerté

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CHARDONNAY DU DOMAINE 2011


DAGBLAD DE LIMBURGER Nov 2012:
Mooi strogeel van kleur, straalt hij in het glas. Traant genoegelijk aanlokkelijk. De chenin verwent de neus met lichte tonen van vers gras, groene appel, wat citrus en sprankelende minerale. Voor meloen, vleugjes ananas en honing zorgt de chardonnay. Gezond gemaakt: wellness in de glas en dankzij de zachte prijs ook in de beurs.

THE WINE DOCTOR Chris Kissack
Bottled under screwcap. An attractive nose, slightly raw and obvious at first but it soon develops into a more appealing, punchy-fruit character, full of grapefruit and other more subtle citrus fruits, as well as some crunchy, stony, just-ripe pear elements. The palate has all the chutzpah that the nose suggests, with good substance, plenty of confident fruit, a powerful citrus and stone fruit character, showing the bite of pear skin and peach stone at the edge. Nice acidity. Overall, considering the likely price point, a very appealing wine, full of character and life.

A blend of 90% Chardonnay and 10% Chenin Blanc, showing a delightfully pale, watery gold colour. The nose is almost reminiscent of Sauvignon, perhaps even hinting at Riesling, with notes of elderflower, apples, grapes and a rasp of chalky minerality, with tiny hints of basil, orange peel and liquorice. The palate is fresh, tight and zingy, combining zesty lemon, tart apple and soft peach flavours, with herby nuances and bracing, mineral-laden acidity. This is a wonderful example of what Chardonnay (with a touch of Chenin Blanc) is capable of in the higher, cooler reaches of south-west Languedoc. Wonderfully fresh, with genuine elegance.

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