Description / Reviews
"The Roche aux Moines plateau is composed near the surface of rhyolite, an acidic volcanic rock formed from cooled magma. It is responsible for the orangey colour of the siliceous sandstone at the bottom of the slope. This first part is the least rocky (the topsoil is around 80cm thick). Since the volume of water is strongly dependent on the thickness of the soil, the silica of the sandstone and the slope are responsible for the level of acidity and its vivacity. Continuing up the slope, a band of spilite (basic volcanism) at a depth of about 30cm reinforces the mineral complexity from the sandstone. Without increasing acidity, it adds density to the structure of the wine. Finally, the crimson schist at the top of the hillside with its thin layer of soil, brings roundness and fleshiness that are specific to this level of weathered schist and very poor rocky soil." - Pierre-Bise, Winemaker
"The 2020 Roche aux Moines is a full bodied, round shouldered style with supple texture and a reassuring sense of grip from a combination of acid, phenolics and the schistous/sandstone soils of this famous vineyard. It's a wine that takes its 14% alcohol with ease and glides along, providing long, long length. Having spent 18 months on lees in barrel, there is an integrated nutty oak and pastry-like character within the wine's core. Mouth-watering acidity makes you want more. (Drink between 2022-2037)" - 95 Points, Rebecca Gibb MW, Vinous
