June 2013

Pierre Chermette was just 22 when he took over Domaine Vissoux from his parents in 1982. Since beginning, Pierre was one of few in the region making a Cuvée Traditionnelle in pure Beaujolais tradition. Pierre, along with his wife Martine, has long held the motto “quality before quantity”, opting for lower yields and handpicking in the vineyard. In the cellar, his wines are non-chaptalised and use only indigenous yeasts. Pierre was interested in the Crus of Beaujolais and bought vines in Fleurie and Moulin à Vent in 1994 and 1996. Their Moulin a Vent bottling, Les Trois Roches, is the Chermette’s top cuvee. It is named for the three parcels it is sourced from in the famed Moulin à Vent cru. Rochegrès is said to give the finesse, Roche Noire the liveliness of fruit, and Rochelle the power. The sum of the whole gives the intense yet beautifully balanced Gamay that Moulin a Vent is known for, producing a wine in 2010 that Wine Advocate says “will intrigue and invigorate for at least half a dozen years.”

Moulin A Vent Trois Roches 2010 $29.95 EXTREME DEAL $21.90 SOLD OUT

91 POINTS STEPHEN TANZER & WINE ADVOCATE “Bright violet color.  Pungent aromas of red and dark berry preserves, with musky herb and lavender nuances building with air.  Juicy, palate-staining black raspberry and bitter cherry flavors show subtle sweetness and very good clarity.  Finishes with noteworthy energy and focus, leaving licorice and cherry pit notes behind.” Best Price in the US!