Villa Ponciago - Fleurie Les Hauts du Py 2012

Spicier and more flavorful than the “La Réserve,” with a smooth texture; you can tell that some of the grapes were vinified as whole clusters.

Château de Poncié (Ponciago in Latin) is a historic estate in the Fleurie appellation. Acquired in 2008 by the Henriot family (Champagnes Henriot, Bouchard Père et Fils, William Fèvre) after decades of poor viticultural practices, the task of revitalizing the soil across nearly 60 hectares of vineyards—all located around the château in the northern part of the appellation—is a monumental undertaking. Frédéric Weber and his teams are working diligently on this, with results that are improving year after year.

Villa Ponciago is believed to be the estate’s first known name, as mentioned in the charter of Cluny Abbey. The 19 hectares cultivated within the Fleurie appellation, spread across more than 200 plots, were taken over in 2008 by the Henriot family from Champagne, and the first vintage to be bottled was 2009—prior to that, the wines were sold in bulk. Beyond low yields and the pursuit of ripeness, Thomas Henriot demonstrates his quest for finesse and elegance, notably through measured punching down and long fermentations.

The 2012 Fleurie Cuvée Les Hauts de Py is primarily aged in barrels that are 1 to 4 years old, with the remainder in new demi-muids. It reveals an attractive, bright bouquet with aromas of crushed strawberries and red cherries. On the palate, it is medium-bodied with fine tannins and well-balanced acidity, offering natural charm, roundness, and a cranberry finish… Enjoy now through 2017.

 

Although slightly reduced on opening, Les Hauts du Py is nonetheless dense and very deep, with a lovely silky texture

This historic Fleurie estate, located in the northern part of the appellation, was taken over in 2008 by the Henriot family, who continue to provide it with the care and improvements it deserves. It is undeniably blessed with a beautiful 49-hectare vineyard, a large portion of which is situated on hillsides with steep slopes reaching up to 60 percent. The Hauts du Py parcel is one of the highest points in the appellation (410 m). Three cuvées are produced: La Réserve (made from a selection of the estate’s best plots), Les Hauts du Py (high-altitude terroir), and La Roche Muriers (slopes). Recent vintages demonstrate the progress made and reflect the estate’s ambition. The 2012 vintage places it at the top and justifies the awarding of a well-deserved first star.