California Wines & Wineries

2014 Chêne Bleu Abélard – A Recurring Favorite

Posted on January 29, 2025

_{Photo from the winery}

I have previously written stories on other vintages and now this story on the 2014. 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.

_{Photo from the winery}

Secondly, the label is as mysterious and elusive as the wine. The label shows their respect for the land and history. They show dozens of references on the label as to what makes their wine and project so unique. Embedded in the label are five “bunny rabbits”. They used to advertise find them and submit to “Where’s Fluffy?” for a prize from the winery!

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

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 wines showcase their uncompromising commitment of their love, passion and thinking of their vineyard.

_{Photo ©Michael Kelly}

While all of this and I haven’t even begun talking about the wine! If these auxiliary points were not enough to entice you to explore getting this wine, hopefully the description will. Initially when pulling this out of the cellar with a listing of Grenache/Syrah, I was expecting a mild and light French Grenache. This was so far from reality. 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.

On the eyes, it is a deep ruby red and medium-heavy 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. Big and bold only begin to describe this wine.

It has been a Best Wine Tasted in previous years and will once again be on my list for 2025.

This is a must wine to be sought after for a memorable experience.

Slainte,

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