Many years ago the previous owner built the cottage for his ailing wife so they could spend what they thought were their last years in this idyllic setting, surrounded by beautiful vineyards. A dream came true when his wife made a miraculous recovery and hence the cottage became “Villa Mon Rêve” (the house of my dream). This incredible story behind the name also inspired the wine. Finally, after all these years we now believe we have selected an exceptional north facing Syrah that does justice to this uplifting story of “Villa Mon Rêve”.
The colour is a deep, intense purple, still retaining a few violet hues that highlight its youth. The nose opens with intense blackberry aromas, accompanied by very subtle hints of incense. As it breathes, the bouquet gains in complexity with notes of black olive tapenade and pepper. After a few hours in the glass, the wine reveals a new, fresher and spicier facet, blending blood orange and nutmeg. The attack is supple and caressing before giving way to a more distinguished mid-palate. Spices, cocoa and intense black fruits combine to create a deep and generous body. The long, enveloping finish elegantly prolongs this rich and complex expression. A Syrah that truly benefits from being allowed to open up and, as it breathes, reveals its full aromatic depth.
Hand harvesting at optimum ripeness - One third of whole bunches, two thirds de-stemmed without crushing - Natural fermentation - Light pumpovers and punchdowns during 4 weeks maceration.
Syrah : La Livinière (Limestone plateaus), Minervois (Limestone plateaus) - Grenache : La Livinière (Limestone plateaus), Minervois (Limestone plateaus)
In 2000 litre oak barrel during 20 months without racking of the lees - Bottling with no fining or filtration - 12 months bottle ageing before release.
