Peyre Rose 'Marlène No.3' 2006

Limited availability – max. 1 bottle per customer

In 1973, Marlène Soria purchased Peyre Rose – an isolated property situated on a rocky plateau near the Languedoc village of Saint-Pargoire – as a holiday home. She spent three years painstakingly clearing the scrubland around the house before planting her first vines with the idea of making just enough wine for personal consumption. However, once her bottles caught the attention of critics in the 90s, Peyre Rose was catapulted to cult status.
 
Marlène’s estate now covers 25ha of organically farmed Syrah, Grenache, Mourvèdre, Carignan, Rolle, Roussanne, and Viognier – among the lowest yielding vines in France, they stand in contrast to the enormous yields of Languedoc’s many chemical dependent farmers.
 
After long macerations and fermentations in concrete vats, the wines are aged in small barrels before being cellared at the winery for up to 10 years. Released only when Marlène feels that they are ready to drink, they develop increasing complexity for decades after they are made.
 
From a high, exposed parcel of Syrah and a little Grenache, ‘Clos des Cistes’ reveals complex notes of garrigue and spice underneath plush, dark fruit. ‘Belle Léone’ – mainly Syrah with 20% Mourvèdre – is dense and smoky, showing savoury minerality and herbal lift. An equal-parts blend of Syrah and Grenache from the estate’s youngest vines, ‘Marlène No.3’ is Peyre Rose’s most approachable cuvée in youth, marrying juicy fruit with suave tannins.
 
While Mas de Daumas Gassac, Grange des Pères, and Mas Jullien have long dominated the fine wine conversation in the Languedoc, Peyre Rose has always been an insiders' favourite due to the rarity and incredible complexity of Marlène's wines. We are delighted to offer this tiny parcel of ready-to-drink Peyre Rose, from the supple 2006 and structured 2007 vintages, at market beating prices.

Syrah & Grenache. Sweet-edged floral fruit, mocha, and peppery freshness.