California Wines & Wineries

2009 Chêne Bleu Abélard – A Love Story from the Middle Ages Between Abélard and Héloïse

Posted on November 27, 2023

The Winery

Truly a remarkable wine on so many levels–from the land, the label, the history and the wine. Firstly, the area is in the Rhone Valley and sits on top of a hillside in Provence, near Gigondas. Here is a picture from their website.

Secondly, the label is as mysterious and elusive as the wine. The label shows their respect of the land and history. They show on the label dozens of references as to what makes their wine and project so unique. Embedded in the label are five “bunny rabbits”. It used to be find them and submit to “Where’s Fluffy?” for a prize from the winery. I think they may have stopped it as I submitted but no reply!

_{The striking bottle label for Chêne Bleu was designed by British artist Jane Randfield}

Now add the name and its meaning for the third facet of this wine. Abélard is one of two of their leading wines, Héloïse the other. In the Middle Ages, Abélard was a theologian and philosopher who had an illicit romance with his disciple Héloïse. Unfortunately they were forced into separation but their love lasted decades of monastic seclusion and correspondence. Abélard, the Grenache blend, is strong, bold and structured. Whereas Héloïse, the Syrah blend, shows a more elegant and softer side with restraint. The winery made both of these wines to showcase their uncompromising commitment of their love, passion and thinking of their vineyard. For more information on this complicated love story click the link: https://www.thoughtco.com/abelard-and-heloise-735128

While all of this and I haven’t even begun talking the wine! If these auxiliary points were not enough to entice you to explore getting this wine, hopefully the description will. This is perhaps one of the largest and extremely robust French wines I have had the opportunity to drink. This is a blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that spent 18 months in French oak barrels.

The Wine – “Wine is bottled poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

Pulled this out of the cellar last evening to simply savor the wine. Once in the glass, you find the Grenache blend, being strong, bold and structured. Whereas Héloïse, the Syrah blend, shows a more elegant and softer side with restraint to form this remarkable wine. On the eyes, it is a deep ruby red and medium weight. On the nose, aromas of blueberries, licorice and black berries almost overwhelm the senses. The spices of various herbs (pepper & sage) linger in the background. On the palate, one is astonished with the liveliness of raspberries, cherry and mocha which make this wine plush and layered. The finish offers up supple tannins with just enough oak to provide “a passing hint of old world” winemaking. This is truly a rich and concentrated offering.

This is a must wine to be sought after for a memorable experience. While not inexpensive, it is a wine to enjoy immensely. Always one of my favorites and to be listed in my annual Best Wines Tasted this year!

Sláinte,

Michael

https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://www.chenebleu.com