Domaine du Pas de l'Escalette - Le Grand Pas 2011

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau acquired this vineyard in 2002. It is planted on terraces surrounded by dry stone walls. Perched at an altitude of 350 meters on around twenty hectares at the foot of the Larzac plateau, the vines are organically farmed, bathed in a cool, windy microclimate and benefiting from the limestone scree terroir of the Causse and all the biodiversity of the area. The common thread here is freshness, made possible by the altitude of the vineyard; it is found in all the vintages, without exception, making this an estate apart from the Larzac terraces, which strikes the perfect balance between freshness and structure. This estate is a sure bet and a must-visit. We have no regrets about the third star recently awarded and see constant improvements right from the entry level.

Guide des Vins Gault & Millau

About the estate:

The Domaine du Pas de l'Escalette has 20 hectares of biodynamic vineyards, planted on terraces with dry stone walls known as "clapas." It is perched at an altitude of 350 meters in the foothills of the Larzac. Julien Zernott and Delphine Rousseau moved there in 2003. With the help of the intense biodiversity of the surrounding area and the exclusive use of organic products, they work the vineyard in a way that respects nature.

Robert Parker - Wine Advocate

About wine:

Tasted from the bottle, Le Grand Pas 2011 is a wine that has it all! Full of meaty notes, vanilla, spice box, and sweet, sun-kissed red fruits, this medium-bodied wine with its magnificent texture will reveal its richness over the next 5 to 7 years. A blend of Grenache, Carignan, and Syrah aged for 18 months in wooden vats, not to be missed.

RVF - La Revue du Vin de France / Guide des Meilleurs Vins de France

About wine:

The Grand Pas 2011 is the most complete red wine, both deep and rich, built on a ripe and dense structure: a wine to be left to age for two years in the cellar.

About the estate:

Located northwest of the Terrasses du Larzac, in the beautiful area of Pégairolles de l'Escale and Lauroux, this 20-hectare estate belongs to Julien and Delphine Zernott, who have been here since 2003. The vineyard comprises around fifty terraces on limestone scree, with a high proportion of very old vines. This terroir is in good hands with this talented and determined couple. While the whites confirm their great elegance, all of the reds presented this year are of a very high standard, graceful, with exemplary management of texture and aging.