Combe Rocher Reserve Pays d'Oc Chardonnay 2024 (France)

Description

Cream, Oak, Peach

"It's finely scented on the nose, showing notes of apricot, rockmelon, nougat, and oatmeal, leading to an elegantly weighted palate that offers a creamy flow, backed by juicy acidity, resulting in excellent drinking. At its best: now to 2028" Wine Orbit

"I have been a fan of this Chardonnay for a while now and this new vintage does not disappoint. Light gold in appearance, with fine aromatics of candied citrus peel, honeysuckle and toffee apple. The fruit is delicate, and still rich and juicy too, but that is not what this wine is about. This is a textural, mouthfilling Chardonnay with balanced acidity, a lick of toasty oak and a clean, dry finish. Great food matching potential – ticks all the boxes that you may have for a French Chardonnay, and then some" Paul Tudor, Master of Wine
 
"Pale straw with yellow hues lead to a bouquet of fresh peach and grapefruit, vanilla and cream. Other scents suggest banana and pineapple then swings into an old-school mineral track. A dry wine with medium+ weight, lots of satin-cream texture and acidity to frame pomaceous and stone fruits, some apple then vanilla. Well made and ready to drink from late 2025 through 2029" Cameron Douglas, Master Sommelier
 
Produced by the highly acclaimed LGI wines, who were awarded Best French Still Wine Producer at the Berliner Wein Trophy for three years in a row. Originally the brainchild of Alain Grignon and UK Master of Wine Mark Lynton, who had a vision of making affordable, modern French wines designed specifically for the international market. Now under the supervision of oenologist Xavier Roger with wines tailor-made to appeal to Kiwi tastes through local importer Steve Bennett, Master of Wine.
 
Now under the supervision of oenologist Xavier Roger and tailor-made to the instructions of local importer Steve Bennett, Master of Wine specifically to appeal to Kiwi tastes.
 
The Combe Rocher (literally ‘rocky valley’) range is one of pure authenticity crafted from carefully selected terroirs, situated on high altitude slopes, with rocky soils. The terroir effect is very noticeable in this region due to the great variety of winegrowing microclimates that create an expression of the grape varieties that is unique.
 
This specific Chardonnay is sourced from lowland vineyards from the Pays d’Oc, planted on calcareous marls. These well-drained soils, located close to the Canal du Midi, are protecting the vines from drought as the Chardonnay needs enough watering to produce balanced and healthy grapes with great aromatic intensity. The grapes are harvested early in the season, in the fresh morning. The pressing is very gentle, in a pneumatic press preserving quality. 30% of the wine ferments under the influence of French oak. The balance is fermented at cooler temperatures in vat without malolactic influence to preserve the freshness of the wine. The wine is aged 6 months on its fine lees with regular stirring to add richness of texture and nutty complexity.