History
Christine Schlumberger’s sister, Laure, has been the first woman of the family
to marry a catholic. Her devotion to several charitees organizations has remain
in the memories. The Late Harvest (Vendanges Tardives – Appellation since
1984) are wines harvested in overmaturity, several weeks after the harvest.
Contrary to certain types of sweet wines, they maintain a freshness and natural
acidity with a flavor that is unique in the world.
Location
Coming from the subtle blend of Grands Crus Kessler, Spiegel and Kitterlé, this
very rare Cuvée is born from our steep slopes with sandstone and volcanic soils,
oriented east and southeast.
Wine-making
The vines were carefully tended from their winter pruning until the harvest.
Harvested manually from our steep vineyards, the grapes are then transported
in small crates (to prevent the berries from getting crushed) to our winery where
they are then slowly pressed. After racking for about 3 days, the perfectly clear
juices are put to ferment in tuns where the temperature is strictly controlled.
Fermentations last from 1 to 3 months until spring. The wines are then
stabilised, filtered and then bottled. The bottles are stored, labelled and shipped
all over the world.
Gastronomy
Do not hesitate to combine it with an Indian-style pork sauté, a blue-veined
goat’s milk cheese, such as taravellu from the Fiore di Latte sheepfold, honeyroasted
Mirabelle plums or a fondant cake with quince jelly and almonds.
Serving temperature 12°.
Tasting
The robe is golden yellow with clear reflections of good intensity. The disc is
shiny, limpid and transparent. The wine presents youth.
The nose is frank, pleasant and of great intensity. Subtle, we perceive a
dominant of candied scents, yellow fruits, quince, Mirabelle plum and honey.
Aeration amplifies these odours and reveals mushrooms, dried fruits, sweet
almond, orgeat and a fine smoky register. The perfect maturity of the grapes
beautifully reflects the complexity of this beautiful grape variety. The quality of
botrytis optimizes the palette of odours.
The attack on the palate is dense, syrupy, the alcohol support is balanced. We
evolve on a medium with fine vivacity, marked by sparkling. We find the range
of aromas of the nose, always focused on candied yellow fruits, Mirabelle plum,
quince, dried fruits, sweet almond, barley, honey, button mushroom and slight
smoky notes. We feel a slight astringency. The finish has great length, 10-11
caudalies, as well as a persistent fine liveliness. Dazzlingly rich, the balance is
sumptuous. Airy liqueur, profiled vivacity, range of racy aromas, it’s all there.
Great wine in the making.
Comentary of M. Pascal Leonetti
“Meilleur Sommelier de France 2006”
