Domaine de la Citadelle - Gouverneur St-Auban 2012

Full-bodied and powerful thanks to a significant proportion of Syrah. A beautifully balanced, full-bodied wine with a finely textured palate, notes of black olive, and a long finish—a real success.

The estate offers a wide range of wines, all of high quality, that emphasize elegance and aromatic precision rather than power. The 2014, 2015, and 2016 vintages are yet more successes for the estate, across all three wine types.

In 1989, Yves Rousset-Rouard purchased an old farmhouse and its 8 hectares of vineyards with the goal of producing a great terroir-driven wine and introducing the world to the Côtes du Luberon appellation—now known simply as “Luberon.” Twenty years later, through hard work and a highly selective choice of plots, he appears to have achieved his goal. His son Alexis has also been assisting him on the estate since 1995. Located on the northern slope of the Luberon massif, the approximately 40 hectares under production comprise more than 65 plots, all planted with 14 different grape varieties; however, Syrah and Grenache form the foundation. Within the estate grounds is the Corkscrew Museum, which houses 1,200 pieces dating from the 17th century to the present day.

The 2012 Gouverneur St Aubain is a blend dominated by Syrah, aged partly in barrels for 12 months. It offers intense aromas of sweet oak, blackcurrant, licorice, and clay. Medium-bodied, rich, textured, and ripe, it has a lot to offer and will age well for at least 7–8 years.