"Perhaps she’s doing it for fun?" - Domaine Roc des Anges (Roussillon)

letuffeau.com (Link) ~ “ ... I can’t think of anyone else who offers such delicious hand-crafted wines at such keen prices. And I was told that yields for this wine were as low as 15 hl/ha. Perhaps she’s doing it for fun?” ~ Jancis Robinson … Domaine Roc des Anges Latour de France Roussillon — “Here is one from left-field. A stunning, truly boutique producer in Roussillon. These are not wild and 'natural' wines made by exiles from Paris or Japan; nor rustic and clunky expressions of peasant winemaking. These are probably the most precise, mineral; 'chiselled' wines being made in France today. I was utterly impressed when the importer brought me the 2023s to sample. So much so that without skipping a heartbeat I ordered a bottle of the 2022 'Llum" at Bar Merenda where it sat comfortably in a line-up at lunch with Marc Sorrel Crozes-Hermitage Blanc, R. Lopez de Heredia Gran Reserva Blanco, a '96 Tahbilk, and Chateau Rayas ... etc. Yet, the prices remain reasonable and the wine under the radar. The rest of the world has lost in their ignorance, and it is our gain. I strongly urge you to put together a little sample selection.” — David — ~ please note : discounts are automatically applied at the digital check-out! ~ — “I hesitate to point this out, but I think talented young wine producer Marjorie Gallet must be underpricing her wines – or is it that everyone else is doing the reverse? Whatever the explanation, her beautifully made (and packaged) artisanal reds and whites seem like bargains alongside the competition. And, make no mistake about it, there is suddenly no shortage of competition in this far northern corner of Catalonia in the hinterland of Perpignan. Everything done in the vineyard is traditional, from the use of local stone to create low walls to divide the parcels of land, all bound up in the notion of respect for the cultural heritage of the region. This is extended further into viticulture where respect for the environment is paramount. All work is based on seeking equilibrium for the vine and allowing it to find its autonomie (defined by vigour, yield, nutrition and natural defence), an essential factor in the expression of terroir. Other than leaf thinning and pruning of the vine to encourage the microclimate, operations in the vineyards are strictly non-interventionist. “It is the light permeable soils themselves from where the wines obtain their unique texture and vibrancy. This is a work in progress, according to the vigneron; only a truly living soil will be able to liberate the essence of the terroir. In the cellar simplicity and authenticity are the watchwords. A traditional press is used, exerting the mildest of pressure, extracting limpid juice. Vinification is in concrete tanks ranging between 24 and 50hl, and the shape of the tanks and the level of the fill determine the appropriately gentle extraction. Ageing takes place in two types of containers; concrete – which exalts the aromatic purity and freshness of the wine – and wood (for about 10% of the elevage) in the form of one-to-three year old barrels.” — Jancis Robinson, jancisrobinson.com I Domaine Roc des Anges 2023 Cotes Catalanes Blanc ‘Llum’ limited (Shelf Price: $98.00) Offer: $84.00 45% Grenache Gris, 45% Macabeu, 10% Grenache Blanc (planted between 1919 and 2008) “A stunningly powerful and refreshing wine; indeed so immediately arresting on first tasting I immediately ordered the wines for this offer. Aromatically: fennel, stem ginger, ripe bosc pear, river stone and crushed chalk, sea spray; wax and quinine. Notions of blossoms, especially linden; pressed cloth, and crushed herbs waft alluring around the olfactory edges. The palate is tight, driven and linear. Led by acidity in contrast to so many other whites from this part of the world. Singular. Repeating flavours of pear and quinine, green and yellow apple, and fresh herbs; together with digestive biscuits and pain grille. The finish, after an opening which is creamily textured, is charmingly austere and mineral (quite Chablisienne?); saline inflections on the electric close. Singular. My favourite Southern French White? Quite possibly. Anyone who says southern French whites are flabby needs to try this and be blown away.” — David Order here (Link) II Domaine Roc des Anges 2023 Cotes Catalanes Blanc ‘Iglesia Vella’ limited (Shelf Price: $149.00) Offer: $138.00 100% Grenache Gris (one parcel planted in 1958 on schist) “Iglesia Vella is a flagship cuvée of the estate and a pure expression of the Gallet style, driven by old-vine Grenache Gris planted in 1954 on schist. On the palate, it is long, precise and crystalline, almost Chablis-like in its tension and clarity. Subtle notes of almond, acacia, nuts and warm schist unfold quietly, giving a wine that feels both focused and meditative.” — Pierre Stock, Importer (and good friend) Order here (Link) III Domaine Roc des Anges 2023 Cotes Catalanes Rouge ‘Segna de Cor’ very limited - reply email only (Shelf Price: $78.00) Offer: $66.00 & Domaine Roc des Anges 2023 Cotes Catalanes Rouge ‘Segna de Cor’ (MAGNUM) 1 magnum available (Shelf Price: $155.00) Offer: $132.00 40% Grenache Noir, 30% Carignan, 30% Syrah “This anagrammatic red blend from Roc des Anges clocks in at 13.5% percent alcohol. I point this out at the start of the note as it is on par with many Burgundy wines of the present era, notably Chambolle and Santenay. Aromatically, this wine is inviting and open-knit with soft blue fruits (never verging into black) together with anise and orange peel, dabs of preserve of same, and violets; complexifying notions of tobacco, road tar, and dry cocoa in support. The texture is almost the last world in caressing satin; breathtaking on the close with tannins that are present but utterly soft. Slightly darker than the aromatic profile would suggest, but never roasted, here mingle raspberries, blackberry, hints of roasting tray/pan juices, garrigue (especially time); all encompassed by bitter dark chocolate (think 80%+), dark roast coffee (Vittoria Cinque Stelle?). Hints of stone on the close.” — David IV Domaine Roc des Anges 2023 Cotes Catalanes Blanc ‘1903 - Carignan de Schistes’ very limited - reply email only (Shelf Price: $149.00) Offer: $138.00 100% Carignan (three parcels planted in 1903 on schist) “In the glass, it’s deep with a violet hue. The nose is dark and brooding, with black cherry, plum and wild herbs, lifted by graphite and warm stone. The palate is powerful yet precise, with fine tannins, vibrant acidity and a strong mineral core that drives a long, savoury, saline finish. Complex and fresh, it’s a profound 100% Carignan that will reward 15+ years of cellaring.” — Pierre Stock, Importer (and good friend) IV Domaine les Terres des Fagayra NV Maury Vin Doux Naturel ‘Ambre Hors d’Age’ 1 bottle available (Shelf Price: $175.00) Offer: $148.00 “Deep amber dress with coppery reflections. Captivating nose blending dried apricot, fig, honey, and salted caramel. Full, velvety palate with notes of candied orange peel and toffee. Long, fresh finish, delicately oxidative.” — Pierre Stock, Importer (and good friend) Order here (Link) — The new Le Tuffeau 2026 This week, by the glass Camin Larredya 2023 Jurancon Sec 'La Part Davant' Domaine Tempier 2024 Bandol Rose Protero 2019 Adelaide Hills Nebbiolo 'Capo' … Please join us for a drink soon. Reservations preferred. Bookings and after-6.00pm access: (03) 9419 3867 Tue. 11.00 am–6.00 pm Wed.–Sat. 11.00 am–11.00 pm — If you would like any of the above, would like to come by for a private appointment, or just have some questions — please let us know.