Clos Marie - Pic Saint-Loup L'Olivette 2023

Bettane & Desseauve

About the estate:

This flagship estate on Pic Saint-Loup has been masterfully managed by Christophe Peyrus since 1995. A leading figure in the appellation, the winemaker cultivates 22 hectares. Praised for their intensity, finesse, body, and distinction, the estate's wines are not universally loved, however, as some enthusiasts are put off by the acidity resulting from the choice to use minimal protection for the wines. While we do not approve of this divisive characteristic, we defend Clos Marie for its unique finesse of tannins and the delicacy of its flavors. We tasted some magnificent 2018s and a grandiose 2019 from the entry-level range, L'Olivette. Let's hope that all these virtues are preserved when the wines are released.

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

About wine:

L'Olivette, dense and fragrant with tapenade and blueberry, evokes flowers, violets, and licorice. Its very soft tannins add a new layer to its delicate sensuality.

About the estate:

Since settling in the Pic Saint-Loup area in 1995, Christophe Peyrus and Françoise Julien have been steadily conducting experiments, which are essential for understanding all the nuances of their terroirs. The work carried out in the vineyard, the high-quality plant material, and a higher planting density have all contributed to improving the finesse of the estate's wines. The importance of the location and the plots set the pace. To understand this, one need only visit the beautiful Simon plot, stony terraces located in a fault line, which have been planted since 2002. The entire range, which is consistent and complementary, places this estate among the elite in the sector. Personal aromatic nuances now enrich the Simon and Les Glorieuses cuvées, which have the aging potential and profile of the great Rhône wines, without imitating them.