MourchonNews

2012

2011-12-20T17:41:00.001+01:00

Our sincere thanks for the support we have received from all of our clients and friends from the first Mourchon vintage 1998. Your appreciation of our wine has contributed to the increased awareness of the Mourchon brand on a world-wide basis.

We wish you all a healthy and trouble free 2012.

Baroque and Barriques

2011-12-20T17:39:00.009+01:00

Playing to a full house in the vineyard’s cuverie a group of musicians recently gave a delightful rendition of Baroque music including pieces by Bach and Handel.

The musicians: Markus Hunninger (harpsicord), Ruth Phillips (cello), Maja Peter (flute) et Agnes Coakley (soprano). As can be seen from the photo, the stainless steel fermentation tanks in the cuverie make a special setting for soirées of this nature.

We are the Champions

2011-12-20T17:39:00.004+01:00

Forgive us for this immodest leader however we are very proud to have become the 2012 the Rhône Category Class Champion at the Houston Rodeo Wine Competition. Our winning wine was the Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Tradition red wine from the 2009 vintage.

The Rodeo Wine Competition featured 2,454 wines from 736 worldwide wineries at this the ninth annual event, and the Houston Livestock Show Rodeo together with an auction of the champion wines raises in excess of $13,000,000 annually. This money funds 25 full college scholarships to qualified high school students lacking the financial means to acquire a college education.

Mourchon Texas Wine Dinners

2011-12-13T16:06:00.008+01:00

Just back from yet another enjoyable visit to Houston Texas where Walter McKinlay spent a busy few days supporting our regional importer/distributor Dionysus in furthering sales of Mourchon wine.

Four different Houston restaurants invited us to host dinners featuring our wine, which they matched with their specific cuisine. At the start of each event, McKinlay described the Family history at the vineyard and then presented a different wine at each course explaining how the wine was made. The restaurants were the Stella Sola, Dharma Café, the Vine Wine Room and Farrago and all provided excellent food.

Also during the visit, the Mourchon wines were tasted at a newly established wine bar Memorial Wine Cellar and with José Perez-Montufar, the Sommelier at the RDG Bar Annie restaurant.

Pruning

2011-12-13T16:04:00.005+01:00

The pruning season is here again and with in excess of 120 000 vines to trim back, we shall be working at this through until next March. Malika and Deborah, seen here at work, will cut back the vines leaving just two buds – in order to manage the coming season’s yield.

2011 Harvest - Perfect Conditions

2011-09-27T16:02:00.004+02:00

This year’s harvest went smoothly with an excellent team of cosmopolitan pickers – of Polish and French/Moroccan nationality. The weather gave us perfect conditions and with eighteen pickers it proved to be the most rapid harvest – 10 days – we have experienced. The quality of the grapes was first class and we have expectations of another good vintage.

At the end of the harvest, the pickers enjoyed a superb couscous lunch pictured here.

International Grenache Day - Friday 23 September 2011

2011-09-20T16:30:00.003+02:00

The food matching Grenache wines at our international Grenache day celebration were well received. Probably the favourite pairing was Ronnie McKinlay’s chestnut cake with our 100% Grenache family reserve.

We were delighted with the amount of restaurants and wine shops from around the world who were featured on the Grenache Day Google map. All seems to be going well with our endeavour to raise the profile of the Grenache grape!

If you wish to know more click on Grenache Day or contact Marlene Angelloz of Grenache Association at marlene@grenachesymposium.com.

Decanter World Wide Wine Awards 2011

2011-09-20T16:00:00.000+02:00

Good news from the Decanter magazine in that we have been given a silver award for our Grande Reserve 2009 and a commended note for our Family Reserve 2009 in their World Wide Wine Awards 2011. This is a prestigious event and of course we are very satisfied to have the quality of our two of our wines recognised.

Vintage Cars at Mourchon

2011-09-20T14:58:00.008+02:00

This week we were pleased to host Marlys and Leo Keoshian and friends who arrived at the Domaine in their Type 35 open touring Bugattis (see picture). We were very impressed as they drove these circa 1925 cars all the way from Milan. Both cars arrived in perfect condition after a faultless journey.

The two couples traveling together are from the United States, respectively living in New Hampshire and California and they are to be in Provence touring for two weeks.

Houston's Best Wine Picks

2011-09-06T14:56:00.004+02:00

Dale Robertson of the Houston Chronicle writes:

2008 Domaine de Mourchon Tradition
Overall Score: 18 (9 for quality, 9 for value) Our tasters: All but one recommended it with a high score of 9.3. “Full of black pepper and spices with a complex finish.” My score: 9.1. The vintage was a difficult one in the southern Rhone, prompting hard choices by many producers such as Mourchon. Because no higher-tier Grande Reserve was made, the Tradition profited accordingly. The best grapes from the estate’s 40-year-old vines went into the blend of 65 percent Grenache, 25 percent syrah and 10 percent carignan. The aging occurs only in concrete vats. Price: $18.20.

Coup de Cœur for our Rosé 2010 - La Provence

2011-08-19T15:05:00.000+02:00

Again, we are pleased to report that the Mourchon 2010 Loubié rosé has received quality recognition through a Coup de Cœur award from La Provence, the Southern Rhône newspaper. Their comment on the wine is noted here :
Domaine de Mourchon – Loubié 2010 89/140 points
Created in 1998 by the McKinlay Family, this domaine is set at an altitude of 350m in a secluded valley between the picturesque village of Séguret and the Mont Ventoux. The rosé of this domaine, already celebrated by our magazine, is well-made and merits being discovered, as is the place where it is made.
Personality : A pleasant, limpid and clear raspberry robe. A nose dominated by candied strawberry and citrus fruit. A fresh and aromatic palate with a long finale.
Cépages : Cinsault (40%), Syrah (20%) and Grenache (20%).
Wine-food matching : Spicy tagine.

San Francisco Chefs

2011-08-19T15:04:00.000+02:00

Inter Rhône, the organisation supporting and publicising us Rhone producers, is doing an excellent job throughout the world on our behalf and in particular in the United States market. Currently, they are showing Rhone wines including our CDRV Tradition and Grande Reserve, at a series of events across the United States. Recently, we were represented at the SF Chefs 2011 meeting and the event was extremely well attended by those Californians appreciating good wine and food.

The next event will be in Chicago on September 8th and 9th entitled Windy City Wine Festival. Our Chicago importer Ventoux Fine Wines (+1 847 920 5052) will be in attendance at this meeting. The support Inter Rhone give us is much appreciated in helping to further develop our US Market.

Metal Closures Advance

2011-08-19T15:03:00.004+02:00

The trend towards metal closures is moving at a pace and now Mourchon has joined the throng by using metal screw caps for our Loubié rosé 2010 vintage. Rosé, as a rule, has a short life span and with the ease of opening and keeping the wine benefits from the use of screw caps.
We sell our rosé to restaurants throughout the United States and Europe and generally the screw caps have been well received. However, there has been a small minority of restaurants declining our rose because they prefer to see their sommeliers pulling the cork.

In Readiness for the Harvest

2011-08-19T15:01:00.003+02:00

We are currently preparing for this years harvest, which should begin during mid September. The season to date has shown a well-balanced climate giving encouraging expectation for a good vintage. Lets hope the fair weather holds through to the harvest allowing us to make another year of quality wine.

Seen here our team member Deborah painting the trailers in readiness for hauling back the grapes to the winery.

Picnic and Music

2011-06-10T11:36:00.013+02:00

The Mourchon Picnic on Sunday 12th of June proved a great success with over 100 people enjoying music by two excellent groups – adult and junior musicians giving much pleasure to the assembled company.

From the Mourchon family, Hugo and son Felix were key contributors to the day, both with their singing and respective muscial instruments – flute and keyboard. Delicious food was supplied by Christine from Séguret Villages which matched well with the Domaine’s white Côtes du Rhône wine La Source.

Planting

2011-06-10T11:35:00.012+02:00

State of the art technology was used recently in planting a new parcel of Grenache wines at the vineyard. Shown here is the tractor with operatives placing the plants in the furrow created by the tractor while his colleague is putting in place the piquet (stake) to support the plant. Each plant is automatically watered as the tractor moves forward. The vines are positioned in perfect placement with tht use of GPS. On this occasion three thousand plants were positioned in the parcel in six hours – this would have probably taken three or four days if worked manually.

The Evening Standard

2011-06-10T11:29:00.009+02:00

On 9 June 2011 Andrew Neather writes: "Naturally my decision yesterday to write about summery rosés triggered torrential downpours with minutes of my fingers touching the keyboard. There must be some way to monetise this phenomenon - such as charge someone for my ability to summon rain through wine. While I ponder what it might be, you can enjoy these versatile southern French rosés anyway. It's not that cold.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Loubié 2010 (Roberson Wine, 348 Kensington High Street W14 £10,95) Scotsman Walter McKinlay and his family make wine near Séguret in the heart of the Côtes du Rhône. The village is better known for its reds – and Domaine de Mourchon’s are serious – but this rosé is very attractive too: fruity and fresh but big enough to stand up to full-flavoured dishes."

Sebastian, our winemaker, on the way to work!

2011-06-10T11:28:00.006+02:00

Seen here is Sébastien on the Mourchon quad tracking towards one of our parcels of Grenache to carry out one of his regular inspections – a perfect way of moving around the vineyard.

A Year in Provence

2011-06-10T11:21:00.003+02:00

Here follows a recent article from the Dutch newspaper Telegraaf – Wijnclub by Pieter Nijdam:

« A Year in Provence » must Walter and Ronnie McKinlay have thought when they fell in love hopelessly with the Séguret area, just west of Mont Ventoux. The hilly landscape with the cypress trees feels almost Tuscan, but the smells of lavender, wild thyme and garrigue are unmistakably Provençal. By the way, just like the deafening summer noise produced by the cigales who only keep silent when the Mistral arrives.

Séguret is built against a small hill. In the middle, ruins of a medieval castle. It deserves the label « L’un des plus beaux villages de France ». From the terrace of the local Bar-Tabac one can see the Dentelles de Montmirail, called “the little teeth” by my children because of the sharp peaks. Here is one of the most beautiful views in the entire south of France.

Undoubtedly, Walter and Ronnie decided on this blessed spot to change their life-course completely. From Scotland Walter enjoyed a career in information-technology. But wine was his big passion already then. In 1998, the McKinlays bought the Domaine de Mourchon with 17 hectares of vineyard. The vines were an average of 55 years of age then and had a tremendous potential. Thanks to the young French winemaker Sébastien Magnouac this potential could be realised entirely. In the mean time daughter Kate and son-in-law Hugo also moved to Séguret. Just like Dutch Manon van der Laan who is responsible for communication and marketing in the team. A real family business.

Domaine de Mourchon is the rising star in Séguret. “The sky is the limit”, must the McKinlays have thought when the American wine-guru Robert Parker treated their red wine to 91 points. Loving reports from Jancis Robinson, Steven Spurrier and James Molesworth followed.

This was also noted in our country. The boys from Vojacek Wijnen (www.vojacek.nl), also team players, did not hesitate a moment and added Mourchon to their already brilliant assortment of wines from the Southern Rhône. The Tradition 2007 (€11,40) excels through its stunning Provençal-herb bouquet of rosemary, lemon-thyme and garrigue. Much ripe black fruit with some liquorice and laurel on the palate. The wine made with mainly Grenache and Syrah and a touch of Carignan has enough tannin to be kept for a few more years. But I am afraid that no one will be capable of that. Grab a bottle and crawl into your fireplace. With the glowing warmth against your cheeks you imagine yourself in Provence for a moment. »

London Wine Trade Fair

2011-06-10T11:09:00.002+02:00

This year the Domaine was present at the LIWTF showing our complete range of current vintages to existing customers and many other interested groups and individuals.

In general terms the show was disappointing in that the volume of visitors was down on last year. However, in our case we benefited from an excellent site on the Inter Rhone complex and were more than happy with the results.

Our man Hugo Levingston is seen here tasting with one of the many visitors we had during the show.

Windy City Wine Festival

2011-06-09T15:07:00.000+02:00

On Friday September 9th and Saturday September 10th you are welcome to the Windy City Wine Festival in Chicago at Buckingham Fountain. The Domaine de Mourchon will be presenting its Tradition and Grande Reserve cuvees with the assistance of Inter Rhône.

The festival provides an opportunity to sample from more than 270 wines in all from around the world. There are wine seminars and cooking demonstrations and some of the area’s best restaurants will sell their signature dishes. Don’t miss out on the live music!

Exciting News

2011-04-29T09:13:00.005+02:00

Mourchon SARL will be releasing our latest two wines – a Châteauneuf du Pape and a Côtes du Rhône white wine. The Châteauneuf is a blend of 70% Grenache, 20% Mourvèdre and 10% Syrah and the Côtes du Rhône white 55% Viognier, 25% Rousanne, 10% Bourboulenc and 10% Clairette. Labels of these wines are displayed here.

Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône

2011-03-22T11:20:00.005+01:00

This year’s Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône was made up of series of tastings throughout the region and was as alive as ever. Well organised by Inter Rhône the event attracted many retailers from the wine industry and Mourchon showed our wines together with other Séguret producers at the Village of Bouchet. There was considerable interest in our portfolio of wines from European, North American and importer-distributors from the Far East.

G-Night at the Delirium

2011-03-22T11:15:00.001+01:00

One of the many successful events during the week of the Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône meeting was held at the Delirium nightspot in Avignon. This was G-Night, a unique tasting of top Côtes du Rhône Villages wines made with a majority Grenache blend served from Magnums. Organised by the Grenache-Symposium team, some thirty producers presented their wines to over three hundred enthusiastic wine lovers and the evening was acclaimed a great success achieving the objective of raising the profile of the Grenache grape.

Argentina and Uruguay

2011-03-22T11:01:00.010+01:00

Our recent scouting visits to vineyards in Argentina and Uruguay proved to be an exhilarating and valuable experience. Argentina in particular has made great strides in the development of their wine industry and the care and attention given to the vineyards there is very apparent. Visitors are impressed with the warm reception and facilities available at many of the producers’ properties. Quality educational tours through the vineyards and wineries with first class well-appointed tasting rooms and restaurants are the norm.

Certainly some of us European producers have something to learn from the Argentineans in regard to marketing and customer appeal. The Uruguayan wine industry has more recent history than that of Argentina but is making steady progress with the improvement of quality from producers mostly in the North of this small country west of Montevideo.

From Austin, Texas.

2011-03-22T10:52:00.008+01:00

Pictured here are Mark Rashap and girlfriend Shannon, recent visitors to the Domaine. From Austin, Texas, Mark sells our wine to an ever-increasing Mourchon following in the city from one of five Specs stores. Specs, probably one of the largest wine store chains in the United States have over seventy locations in the State of Texas.

New York Taste 2010

2010-11-29T10:40:00.010+01:00

New York Taste is an annual event, organised by Gillian Duffy, the Culinary Editor of New York Magazine, in which around 50 top chefs from the City display examples from their menus for an evening.

Pictured here Elizabeth Karmel of Hill Country BBQ and Hill Country Chicken restaurants with Walter McKinlay and Gillian Duffy.

Inter Rhône was one of this year’s sponsors of New York Taste and they organised a selection of wines from the Rhône Valley and Mourchon was one of the Rhône Producers presenting their wines. Much attention was paid to wine-food pairing and there follows examples of food matching with the Mourchon Loubié rosé by eight different restaurants:

Aldéa – Lobster Soup with Coconut, Chorizo & Coriander
BLT Fish – Carmelized Banana & Rum Parfait
Convivio – Sgombro, Cured Mackerel, Grape Fruit, Pistachios
Fulton – Skate & Chorizo Tacos
Kittichai – Smoked Trout, Peanuts & Lime with a Palm Sugar Dressing Served on a Shiso Leaf
Le Bernardin – Parsnip Custard with Dominican Chocolate, Hazelnut & Brown Butter
Red Rooster Harlem – Gravlax, Waffles, Purple Mustard
Zengo – Corvina Ceviche: Aji Amarillo, Red Onion, Cucumber, Apple, Tomato, Shiso

New Press - Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Rhône Report

2010-11-29T10:37:00.013+01:00

Here are a selection of the latest press reviews we have received for the current vintages of Mourchon wine: 2007, 2008, 2009 - Wine Advocate, Wine Spectator, Rhone Report

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône 2008:

Wine Spectator 87 - Fresh and juicy, with open-knit red cherry and currant fruit laced with hints of garrigue and tobacco. There’s a nice chalky twinge on the finish. Drink now. – J.M.

Rhone Report 87 - A fresh and almost delicate wine, the 2008 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône is aged completely in concrete and is a blend of Syrah and Grenache. It possesses a semi-transparent purple color as well as bright aromatics of wild cherries, spice and violets that are all wrapped around loads of mineral and earthy notes. With air, a subtle game and meaty character comes out. The wine is medium to light bodied on the palate with a smooth, almost burgundian texture, loads of resh acidity and a clean, enjoyable finish. Fleshing out and gaining weight in the glass, this delicious red should be consumed over the following 3 to 5 years.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition 2007:

Wine Advocate 90 - The 2007 Séguret Tradition has a glorious nose of garrigue, pepper, lavender, and spices. Its dense purple, concentrated color is followed by medium body, admirable elegance and purity, and a round, generous, even opulent finish. This is a beauty to drink over the next 3 – 4 years.

Wine Spectator 88 - Fresh, with floral, red currant and blackberry fruit notes backed by a tangy, mineral-tinged finish. Juicy and racy. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Drink now through 2010.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition 2008:

Wine Advocate 85 - The 2008 Séguret Tradition exhibits a deep ruby color along with wild strawberry, black cherry, lavender, garrigue and spice notes, medium body, and a superficial but well-made, clean style. It is a blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah from 40-year-old vines and aged in concrete. Drink it over the next 1-2 years.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition 2009

Wine Advocate 87-88 - The 2009 Séguret Tradition (65% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 10% Carignan) exhibits vivid aromas of black cherries, Provençal herbs, and garrigue. It cuts a bigger swath across the palate than the 2008 and reveals more glycerin and density. Enjoy this high class Côtes du Rhône over the next 2-3 years.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve 2007:

Wine Advocate 92 - As for the equally deep ruby/purple-colored 2007 Séguret Grande Réserve, this wine has much more licorice and more depth and body, but displays a similar aromatic and flavor profile. It is broad, expansive, and voluptuously textured, with stunning depth and richness. This about as good as Séguret can be and actually competes with wines that are much more costly. Drink it over the next 7 – 10 years.

Wine Spectator 92 - This is impressive for its array of dark fig, espresso, current paste and hoisin sauce notes all laid over a tangy, minerally spine that drives the finish along. Mesquite, charcoal and braised beef notes add further dimension. Drink now through 2013.

Rhone Report 92 - Much more perfumed and spiciy than the ’06, the 2007 Domiane de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages séguret Grande Réserve, same elevage and blend, sports awesome aromatics of garrigue, wild strawberry, and kirsch fruit, dried flowers, and loads of minerality that comes through on the finish. Seductive and complex on the nose, the wine doesn’t lose a beat on the palet and possesses beautifully ripe fruit, a round, soft texture, fresh acidity and enough tannin to allow this to evolve and drink well over the next 10 years. This a superb wine that really highlights the beauty of the vintage. Well done!

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve 2009:

Wine Advocate 91-94 - The color of the 2009 Séguret Grande Réserve (a blend of 65% concrete-aged Grenache and 35% oak barrel-aged Syrah from 60-year-old vines) is not dissimilar from the Syrah cuvee, a deep ruby/purple with blue tints. It boasts a stunning bouquet of kirsch, blueberries, blackberries, incense and spice box. Full-bodied and rich, this is a fabulous example of what can be achieved in the outlying Côtes du Rhône Villages appellations. It ranks alongside the brilliant 2007s produced by Domaine de Mourchon. It should drink well for a t least a decade.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret S Family Reserve 2008:

Wine Spectator 91 - Quite dark, offering admirable depth and richness for the vintage, with blackberry and linzer torte flavors.

Rhone Report 92 - A dead ringer for a quality northern Rhône Syrah, the 2008 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Family Reserve Syrah delivers smoky, meaty aromatics of raspberry and blackberry fruit, peppered bacon, violets and earth. Over the evening, this gets more and more northern Rhône like and I love the complexity and overall elegance of the wine. On the palate, it’s medium bodied with a smooth, seamless texture, perfectly ripe fruit, and a clean, delineated long finish. Northern Rhône lovers need to try this wine! Beautifully made, this should continue to drink well of the next 10 to 12 years.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret S Family Reserve 2009:

Wine Advocate 88-90 - The 2009 Séguret Family Reserve Syrah is 100% Syrah aged in small oak barrels for ten months before being bottles unfiltered. It exhibits the most saturated ruby/purple color of this quartet along with attractive aromas of blackberries, cassis, spice, licorice and background oak. It does not possess the complexity of the Grenache-based cuvee, but it is a very good Syrah from the southern Rhône that should provide plenty of pleasure over the next 5-8 years.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret G Family Reserve 2008:

Wine Spectator 91 - Ripe and fleshy, especially for the vintage, with dark bittersweet ganache, fig, pepper, tobacco and cassis notes.

Rhone Report 93 - A serious wine that competes with anything coming out of the southern Rhône, the 2008 Domaine de Mourchon Family Reserve Grenache is loaded with black cherry fruit, peppered steak, garrigue, pice box and floral aromatics. Over the evening, this fleshes out beautifully, showing fantastic complexity paired with edgy, fresh fruit. The wine is medium to full bodied with a gorgeously smooth, silky texture, perfect balance, fresh acidity, and a clean, focused finish. I love the blend of solid underlying structure paired with fresh, yet ripe fruit. Drink this beauty of ther next 10 to 12 years.

Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret G Family Reserve 2009:

Wine Advocate 89-91 - The 2009 Séguret Family Reserve Grenache is a 100% old vines (60 years) Grenache made from extraordinarily low yields of 10 hectoliters per hectare. The result is a dense ruby/purple-tinged wine displaying sweet notes of blueberries, black raspberries, black cherries, currants, crushed rocks and flowers. Full-bodied with silky tannins, decent acidity, and a heady, long personality, this impressive effort transcends its Côtes du Rhône Villages appellation. Drink it over the next 5-7 years

Forum Vini - München

2010-11-29T10:24:00.003+01:00

This year for the first time, the Domaine showed their wines at Forum Vini, a Munich, Bavaria, wine festival. Working on the same stand with Ars Gustandi, our Düsseldorf wine importer, the show attracted a high volume of visitors who were in the main private wine enthusiasts. It is Mourchon’s objective to increase sales in Germany and we shall be exhibiting at Prowein in Düsseldorf this coming March. Seen here is a shot of our stand at Forum Vini.

Wine Dinners

2010-11-29T10:18:00.004+01:00

We are pleased to report the succesful wine dinner tour where restaurants in Houston – Bistro Don Camillo, in New York – Telepans, and Chicago – Naha matched a range of Mourchon wines with food cumulating in the most interesting series of food-wine pairing menus. An example of this is the menu below from the Don Camillo Bistro.

Houston – Bistro Don Camillo 1(713) 782-3011
New York –Telepan 1(212) 580-4300
Chicago – Naha 1(312) 321-6242

Health and Happiness in 2011

2010-11-20T09:26:00.000+01:00

Wishing you all a special festive season and New Year.
May 2011 bring you much health and happiness!

L'équipe de Mourchon

Harvest 2010

2010-10-22T11:09:00.010+02:00

Pictured here at the finish of the 2010 harvest are our team of pickers who did a really great job in completing the gathering of the grapes in a record time.

This year’s vintage looks to be another one of special quality and more volume than normal. At our vineyard’s altitude – 350 meters – we were more fortunate than our neighbours down below in the valley as, during their flowering season, they had a cold snap, which severely reduced their yield. Our flowering was later because of our altitude and we fortunately did not suffer in the same way.

This was our 12th harvest and we consider ourselves very fortunate to have had only one bad vintage – 2002.

G-Day Around the World

2010-10-22T11:00:00.009+02:00

The international Grenache Day held on September 24th this year proved to be a resounding success as literally hundreds of restaurants worldwide participated in the event featuring Grenache based wines to match their food menus.

Here at Mourchon, the Caveau was decorated accordingly and visitors enjoyed food nibbles paired with our Grenache wines. The star matching of the day and the most popular proved to be chocolate cake with our Family Reserve 100% Grenache 2008 vintage.

Hachette 2011 - Family Reserve Grenache Séguret 2008 **

2010-09-17T11:30:00.005+02:00

This top quality single variety Family Reserve Grenache was launched in
2008 to celebrate the 10 years since the McKinlay Family established Domaine de Mourchon. As well as showing a superb purple colour on the eye, the wines also reveal a rich blend of vanilla cloves and red fruit on the nose. The mouth is round and expressive with a beautiful balance achieved thanks to a perfect harmony of sweetness and acidity. The firm tannic structure is sufficiently evolved to make this wine ready to drink with a magret de canard as we go to press.

Meanwhile the rosé Loubie 2009 has been awarded one star* for it’s powerful character owed in a large part to the syrah grape.

Wine Advocate October 2009 - Robert Parker

2010-08-17T10:00:00.001+02:00

"The 100% Grenache 207 Séguret Family Reserve has a deep, dense ruby/plum color, although slightly less opaque than its two siblings, and an extraordinary nose of black raspberries and kirsch with some incense, crushed flowers, and minerals. Composed of considerable old-vine Grenache, it is full-bodied but has an ethereal elegance, freshness, and vibrancy that is endearing. This is a beauty that should drink nicely for 5-7 years. 92 points

As for the equally deep ruby/purple-colored 2007 Séguret Grande Réserve, this wine has much more licorice and more depth and body, but displays a similar aromatic and flavor profile. It is broad, expansive, and voluptuously textured, with stunning depth and richness. This about as good as Séguret can be and actually competes with wines that are much more costly. Drink it over the next 7 – 10 years. 92 points

The 2007 Séguret Tradition has a glorious nose of garrigue, pepper, lavender, and spices. Its dense purple, concentrated color is followed by medium body, admirable elegance and purity, and a round, generous, even opulent finish. This is a beauty to drink over the next 3 – 4 years. 90 points

This excellent estate, which was purchased in 1998 by the McKinlay family and encompasses over 60 acres of relatively old vines, has proven over a short period of time to be one of the stars among all the Côtes du Rhône Villages estates." Robert Parker

Glamorous and Multitasking

2010-08-16T16:26:00.005+02:00

Our glamorous star Scots multitasking Deborah Adams is seen here on her tractor after a long day of watering the young Grenache plants.

Deborah has had much experience with managing plant life both in Central America and in the United Kingdom and if anyone has green fingers she does!

Cuisine et Vins de France - Spécial Vins

2010-08-15T09:55:00.000+02:00

Cuisine et Vins de France about Domaine de Mourchon in their September-October edition Spécial Vins (Hors Série):

"In 1998 a Scots couple, Walter and Ronnie McKinlay whose anglo-saxon clan had no wine making experience, invested in a 17 Hectare vineyard in the hills behind the village of Seguret. The property has a southern exposure and the vines are planted on grey limestone. Very quickly Walter understood that if he wanted to make things work he needed a solid team around him. "He asked us to spend a holiday in Provence" said Kate, his daughter and with her partner Hugo they decided to become involved. Since then, they are running the Domaine with father and mother and with time their wine has gained confidence. 2006 vintage, the Grande Réserve (15€), round, well-balanced with freshness and texture, gorgeous. For more pleasure, try the Family Reserve (20€), a truly majestic Syrah."

London International Wine Trade Fair

2010-07-03T17:27:00.009+02:00

This year’s London Wine Trade Fair was busier then expected and as usual Domaine de Mourchon showed their wines at the ExCel Exhibition centre. 2009 Loubié rosé and the two 2008 Family Reserves – 100% Syrah and 100% Grenache, attracted a great deal of interest as did the 2007 vintages of the Grande Reserve and Tradition.

Both existing customers and new contacts tasted with us during this three-day meeting.

Houston Chronicle - Thinking Pink

2010-07-03T17:26:00.012+02:00

Herewith an extract from a recent article in the Houston Chronicle in which our Loubié rosé was voted number one out of twenty-five roses in a blind tasting:

“Thinking Pink: My apologies. This column should have run a month ago. No way we should be 23 days into a sweltering Houston June without a conversation about rosé.

Better late than never: We’ve still got July, August and September to suffer through. Houston’s hot. Rosés served nice and chilled with all manner of summer foods are cool. So think pink, people.

Our tasting panel went through 25 rosés and reached consensus on a dozen, with Domaine de Mourchon’s 2009 Loubié from France’s Rhône Valley, emerging as the clear-cut champion. It scored a remarkable 0,4 points higher than any of the other wines and one dazzled taster awarded it 9,5 out of 10 points.

A ruby-burnt orange color, the Loubié is exactly what rosé is all about, possessing fruit, structure, acidity in equal parts with not a bit of cloying sweetness. It’s 180g degrees in the opposite direction from your typical white zinfandel, which, as most of you realize, should be avoided – no matter the season.

Overall score: 28,7 (9,2 quality – 9,5 value – 10 availability)
Our tasters: Gave it a unanimous recommendation, with four scroes of 9 or higher “Loads of fresh strawberries… almost creamy.”
My score: 9,1. Old-vine cinsault is the dominant grape, but grenache and syrah are well-represented in this Rhône beauty, too. I’ll keep looking, but for the moment I’ve never tasted a better rosé.
Buy it: $16,25 at Spec’s. Restaurants/wine bars include Brasserie Max & Julie’s, Café Rabelais, Divino, Gravitas, Ibiza and Reef.” By dale.robertson@chron.com

Mourchon in Chicago

2010-07-03T17:24:00.013+02:00

We are extremely delighted to confirm the appointment of our Chicago importer/distributor Peter Mesrobian of Ventoux Fine Wines.

Contact +1(847)881 2699 or pmesro(at)ventouxfinewine.com.

Ventoux Wines have now available the full range of Mourchon current vintages and Peter will be pleased to advise where in Illinois our wine is available.

During this coming autumn Walter McKinlay will be visiting Chicago and will arrange with Ventoux wines to hold a tasting of our latest cuvees.

G-Day at Mourchon

2010-07-03T11:37:00.000+02:00

Please come and join us at Domaine de Mourchon to help us celebrate International Grenache day.

Grenache wine producers, cavistes, and restaurants worldwide are featuring Grenache wines in order to explain the qualities that are to be found in the wine made from this grape.

You are invited to taste the Mourchon Grenache Wines and enjoy food pairings that match. We welcome you from 10 to 18H on Friday the 24th of September to visit us on this special Grenache Day.

The International Grenache Symposium

2010-07-02T10:50:00.000+02:00

The International Grenache Symposium proved a great success bringing together representatives of all aspects of the wine industry in a positive endeavour to raise the profile of the Grenache Grape. The success of the meeting was reflected in the numerous press reviews and specialist wine bloggers who gave enthusiastic copy to this first Grenache Symposium.

Perhaps the most important result of the event was the unified spirit that prevailed throughout and the momentum generated carrying forward into the future.

A synopsis of the Symposium follows with plans for ongoing initiatives.

• World first for Grenache
• A ground breaking format based on workshops & brainstorming
• A neutral ground favouring high-minded dialogue, exchange & progress
• 250 participants over 3 days from 23 countries
• 80 delegates for the workshop
• 5 different tastings
• Almost 300 Grenaches from 12 countries
• 1600 bottles opened
• 17 professional judges
• Already 60+ articles & videos, many more on their way

A few key initiatives:

International Grenache Day « G-Day » - Wear a loud shirt and head to your nearest wine bar/retailer for some Grenache therapy!
The date for this event has been confirmed as Friday, September 24th, 2010. Specific people will spearhead the project in their geographic area, while all efforts are coordinated through the Grenache Association. We will be liaising with volunteers on this event and seek your guidance on establishing potential key partnerships within the on-trade.

Steven Spurrier speaking at a the Symposium 2010

Global Guide to Great Grenache – For some reason, despite the myriad of wine books on the market, no comprehensive vine-to-bottle reference books exist on Grenache, yet the interest is certainly there, especially for a publication that is both informative, pithy and attractive.
A big project, but again, the right orchestra conductor can divide it into bite-size pieces and still get everyone singing the same hymn book. To be co-authored by the Workshop Scribes with contributions from many of you. With a cast like that, it’s sure to be a show-stopper. Further details will be forthcoming.

On-Trade Primer – One-page reference document for restaurants and sommeliers that highlights food and wine pairings, tasting notes and serving suggestions.
It is being prepared as we speak, lead by Nancy Gilchrist and Doug Margerum.

Workgroup

« 3P » Tasting in London – Blind tasting of Grenache wines vs. other varietals, on the basis of the 3Ps – price, pleasure and partnership (with food). The outcome is to be disseminated internationally, with emphasis on social media.
This project is being led by Tim Atkins and will take place in London on Thursday, September 23rd 2010. The results of the blind tasting are to be disseminated the following day, to provide talking points and press attention on International Grenache Day.

Grenache World Tour – Iconic and Cult Classics – A select group of top producers are to host master-classes and other tastings in major urban centres. Objective is to expose experienced wine professionals and collectors to high-and, iconic Grenache wines. Categories will include 100% Grenache, blended Grenache and « cult » or new wines.

Tasting Tents

Vertical Tasting of Top Châteauneuf-du-Pape Grenaches – Show the world how Grenache can age.
This event would be structured as a multi-decade tasting, which is to be organized by the top regional producers – certainly from the Rhône and perhaps from other regions as well.

The Labelling Initiative – Changing front labels or back labels to cite Grenache.
Label text which will educate consumers about the characteristics of the grape and give Grenache « credit » where it’s due. This initiative includes encouraging French AOCs to mention varietals on the back label.

Old Vine Classification
This international project will work to classify Grenache vines, and sanction and/or protect old vines to preserve this rich heritage by making it more economically viable.

Grenadiers du Grenache – A call to arms for anyone taking pride in their affiliation with this soon-to-be-officially-declared-noble cépage.
Slogans and identifying logo for websites, stickers etc. to be developed and distributed. Also, an honour society for Serious Service to the Great Grape.

The Delegates

Next Grenache Symposium
There was general consensus that another Symposium did not have to take place very year but rather every 2 or 3, but there was a sense that a smaller, targeted event should take place every June or in conjunction with the Grenache Day. Any suggestions of what, when and where would be welcome. So far the options for the next GS seem to be: Australia, Spain or Provence again (i.e. Palais des Papes).

www.grenachesymposium.com

From Northern America - Rick Steves

2010-07-02T10:45:00.000+02:00

During the summer season, we have the pleasure to host visiting groups of American and Canadian wine enthusiasts organised by the American Tour Operator Rick Steves.

The visitors display a keen interest in acquiring a greater knowledge of wine and how it is made. With explanations of viticulture and viniculture together with tasting the range of Mourchon wines finishing with lunch, our guests have expressed many positive comments and promises to search for the Mourchon brand when back home in North-America.

We look forward to welcoming next tour visitors and the continuing growth of wine interest around the world.

Time Flies

2010-07-02T08:51:00.000+02:00

Time flies and it is harvest time again. This year’s vintage looks to have the making of yet another good one both from the aspect of quality and volume. Perhaps you will remember the 2009 vintage gave us top quality but an extremely low yield.

The ever-changing climatic conditions certainly make wine production both exciting and challenging in this part of the world!

International Grenache Day: G-Day

2010-07-01T10:07:00.000+02:00

GRENACHE LOVERS UNITE – for the First Annual International Grenache Day, a.k.a. G-Day!!

A global movement is afoot to put Grenache, the most widely planted yet little known red grape, in its rightful place among the stars of the wine world, and we hope you will join us! Many people love grenache-based wines, but others simply don't know them and/or don't realise that Grenache is very versatile and often accountable for the velvety texture and voluptuous taste of the wines that they enjoy. It is present in many blends but rarely gets proper credit on the label... As a result, fantastic old Grenache vines are being uprooted in favor of more generic, familiar varietals. Grenache-- the unsung hero of the wine world! Let's right this wrong and change that together!

On September 24th, 2010, there's a grass-roots movement coming together around the world to set up events, big and small, celebrating the Great Grenache Grape. We’re asking all of our friends/Grenache fans to approach your neighbourhood restaurant and/or favourite wine retailer (or use your own business, if applicable) to feature a special Grenache-centred activity. Maybe a sales promotion, a wine-tasting, or a special restaurant dish/menu designed for Grenache pairings… or simply invite friends over to open some great bottles! Anything goes, for the greater good of Grenache ! This cause is both serious and fun...

And to make it even more fun, we’re calling on all those involved to wear a loud, funky shirt (or any other conversation-stopping attire) to their wine event on 24th September (if you know Aussie winemaker Chester Osborne of d’Arenberg fame, you’ll get the idea…). Take a picture of yourself with your friends, email it to us and we’ll post it on the Grenache Symposium website (www.grenachesymposium.com), the official headquarters of International Grenache Day, and/or on the G-Day world map (see below).

In an effort to assist you (and help you get others involved), there are several documents you can download from the Grenache News Blog:

- A general press release describing International Grenache Day in more detail (please forward on to any press contacts or people who can put information on line!)
- The Great Grenache Primer – a useful two-page educational tool that consumers and the trade can use to educate others on the nature of Grenache and its ideal food pairings by style - if you have a restaurant or wine shop, you can even print it out front and back and plastify it for reference and staff training.
- More detailed food pairing ideas for the chefs and sommeliers among you… we hope you become inspired, for G-Day and beyond!
- Some International Grenache Day activation ideas and materials – whether your interest is restaurants, retail, recreation or writing – we hope you will use these ideas as a starting point and forward other ideas to others to spread the word for the big day in September! You can print these out as is or reconfigure them, use the logos etc for your own formats.
- A doc which contains a link to Google Maps and simple instructions to add your placemark (and an optional blurb) on the world Grenache-Day map, as soon as you decide what you're doing on G-day. You can also see everyone who is planning anything anywhere. We will be sending this map to the press next week, so if you update it (or ask us to) we can mention your event.

Please inform anyone who might possibly be interested, get them involved and encourage them to join in with their own ideas and events!!

Events are already scheduled at restaurants from Santa Barbara to London to the Barossa Valley and the South of France. Stay tuned to our website for additional event announcements as the date approaches. Any questions, please email brigitte(at)grenachesymposium.com (for France), susan(at)grenachesymposium.com or Iverson.laura(at)gmail.com (for the UK and world) and Doug(at)margerumwines.com (for the USA).

Thanks so much for joining in with us to increase the profile of this noble grape. Stay in touch and let us know how you celebrate!

Sincerely,
The Grenache Gang

PS: To see footage from the First Annual Grenache Symposium last June in the Southern Rhone that set the wheels for International Grenache Day in motion, click here: http://www.youtube.com/grenachesymposium.

Grenache Symposium – June 5-6th

2010-02-19T14:28:00.005+01:00

The Domaine in association with La Verrière – Chêne Bleue is currently preparing for a Symposium to be held in June this year specifically focusing on the Grenache grape.

Grenache is probably one of the most planted vines in the world and has not to date received the publicity and profile it deserves. The objective of the Symposium is to publicize Grenache with the support of key professionals and journalists within the wine industry.

Please visit the website www.grenachesymposium.com for full details of the event.

Snow

2010-01-22T11:46:00.011+01:00

Two weeks after Christmas, we experienced a very heavy snow fall here at the domaine – over thirty centimeters in depth. This fall left us isolated on top of our hill and it was two days before we could get down to the village of Séguret.

Hugo, our multi-tasking photographer, was able to get some excellent shots which are reproduced here.

Olives

2010-01-22T11:45:00.007+01:00

This season’s olive harvest was completed in late December and compared well with the year previous. We have in excess of two hundred olive trees and the average annual production results in 300 bottles.

This year’s oil is green gold. It has a fresh herby taste with fruity notes of green apples and a peppery finale.

We were concerned during the recent heavy snow fall that the weight of the snow would damage the olive trees. Furtunately, Antoine, our olive specialist, was up and out of bed extremely early to clear the snow from the trees and this saved considerable damage.

Pruning

2009-12-23T16:00:00.004+01:00

The pruning season is with us again and our all girl team of Malika and Debbie started this season’s programme in early December. Fortunately for them, they are provided with the latest power-packed pruning equipment, which enables them to work with considerable speed and efficiency. The girls with the occasionnal help from Sébastien and Hugo should complete the task of pruning 80 000 vines in late February of 2010.

Pictured here Sébastien Magnouac hard at work.

Michael Broadbent in Decanter

2009-12-23T15:55:00.000+01:00

"Back to the old country - France - for yet another wine new to me, Domaine de Mourchon's Grande Reserve 2006 from Cote du Rhone-Villages Seguret. Owned since 1998 by a British family, the MacKinlays, who kindly sent me a bottle to taste. Familiar grapes, 65% Grenache and 35% Syrah, old vines, low yield, 40% in oak blended with 60% in concrete vats. A most attractive brochure which, as is my wont, I read avidly. Set in a secluded valley, the 'steep slopes' looked rather on the flat side to me but there was a rather sensuous hint of a downward slope on the near horizon. Still, I musn't carp. I liked the wine despite its robust alcoholic content (15%) which gave it a hot finish. Colour appropriately deep with youthful purple core and rich legs. Nose and flavour full of fruit, meaty and spicy. I didn't open it 'several hours' before serving - surely right - but, the next best thing, decanted it (not for sediment's sake - I didn't notice any) into my open jug. It is worth leaving to age and mature. Well priced for its quality. If only we lived in France." Michael Broadbent (Decanter, November 2009)

Houston Texas December Visit - Walter McKinlay

2009-12-23T15:54:00.000+01:00

It is always a pleasure to visit Texas and I did it again in late December.

The Block 7 Wine Company – an exciting new Houston restaurant-wine bar and wine sales venue invited me to host a special tasting of the Domaine de Mouchon current vintages during the busy Christmas build-up period. The event was well attended by wine enthusiasts, both new to Mourchon and existing fans. There was an encoureaging response to our wine, especially the special cuvee 2007 Grenache Family Reserve.

Spec's, the wide ranging Texan wine retailer, has opened yet another of their stores, this time in West University, Houston, where manager Patrick Storfer includes the Domaine de Mourchon 2006 Grande Réserve in the Spec’s large portfolio of international and domestic wines.

Good luck Spec’s with your extraordinary growth rate in providing state wide availability of good wines for the Texan wine consumers.

Vinisud and Prowein 2010

2009-12-23T09:00:00.000+01:00

This year, we will be showing our wines at two wine trade shows: Vinisud in Montpellier, France, 22 - 24 February, Hall 11 - Stand A22 and Prowein in Düsseldorf, Germany, 21 - 23 March, Hall 5 Stand D123.

Danish Wine Press

2009-10-21T10:33:00.007+02:00

Kate McKinlay represented the Domaine at customer Erik Soerenson’s tasting in Denmark last month. The event was well-organised and attracted more wine enthusiasts than was expected. Kate, with thirty or so other wine producers, was showing the Mourchon range including the Tradition and Grande Réserve Cuvees.

Whilst in Copenhagen, she delivered samples for journalist Niels Lilleland who subsequently reviewed the Domaine’s wine in newspaper Vinkyperen i newspaper Jyllands Posten:

Tradition Seguret
Krydret, ganske kølig, god elegance – flot koncentreret uden at den på nogen tipper mod det massive. Drikkeklar. 89 point. 100 kr. Erik Sørensen
(Spicy, quite cool, good elegance – beautiful concentration but not too much - ready to drink. 89 points)

Grande Reserve Seguret
Markant vin med stor tæthed i frugten. Pebret, krydret, men først og fremmest tæt, saftig og sødmefuld. Et vist potentiale. 91+ point. 150 kr. Erik Sørensen
(Remarkable wine, massive fruit. Pepper, spicy, dense, juicy and nice mature sweetness. Aging potential. 91+ points

London International Wine Trade Fair

2009-10-20T17:01:00.000+02:00

The next stop on this year's exhibition trail is the London Wine Trade Fair at Excel, the Docklands meeting centre from 18 through 20 May. We shall be showing our full range of wines including the latest Family Reserves - Grenache and Syrah single varietals - together with the current vintages of rosé, côtes du rhône, Tradition and Grande Réserve.

If you are at the show, please visit our stand number H16 and taste with us.

Autumn Tints

2009-10-20T16:02:00.000+02:00

Our eleventh harvest at Domaine de Mourchon producing the 2009 vintage has come and gone and we have now completed the decuvages and the juice will age over the coming eighteen months, before being ready for bottling.

Our activities will now concentrate on viticulture, maintaining the wires supporting the vines and the commencement of the winter pruning programme. Currently, we are seeing the beautiful autumn tints across the vines as can be seen in the photograph.

Harvest 2009

2009-10-20T10:38:00.000+02:00

Sébastien and Debbie completing "décuvage" from a tank of red grapes.

It was a nervous start to this year’s harvest – 14th of September – with heavy rain putting a stop to the picking just two days after we were under way. The decision was made to wait until the parcels of vines were dry enough to work. On the 22nd of September, five days later, we continued with the picking and were fortunate enough to experience a beautiful stretch of weather giving us perfect conditions to complete the Harvest on the 30th of September.

Natural fermentation in Demi-Muids 600 litre barrels for our Grenache Family Reserve.

This summer’s hot weather kept the volume down to forty percent less than the 2008 harvest – the lower volume was general throughout the region. However, the quality of the juice appears encourageing and hopefully will give us a fine vintage for 2009.

Festive Greetings!

2009-10-19T16:10:00.000+02:00

To all Domaine de Mourchon wine drinkers, we wish you a very special festive season with a happy healthy and prosperous 2010.

2009 turned out to be a better year than expected with both a quality vintage and many more visitors to the winery than is usual.

Mourchon wine is now available in some twenty countries and thanks to your support the brand continues to grow in popularity.

Whichever wine you drink during the holidays, we sincerely hope you enjoy every sip!

Jamie Goode's Wine Blog "A Really Nice Southern Rhône"

2009-09-07T04:25:00.001+02:00

Follows an extract from Jamie Goode’s wine blog in which he reviews our Côtes du Rhône Villages Tradition 2007 and Grande Reserve 2006. The 2007 vintage in the Southern Rhône has received many plaudits from the international wine media.

"Domaine de Mourchon Séguret Tradition 2007 Côtes du Rhône Villages, France
14% alcohol, unoaked. A beautiful expression of the southern Rhône, this is a deep coloured wine with lovely sweet, dark cherry, blackberry and plum fruit aromatics, as well as hints of meat and spice. The palate shows lovely sweet, vivid fruit, but with added meat and pepper complexity, adding a deliciously savoury counter to the ripe fruit. It’s dense and well structured, but lush and smooth at the same time. Really successful: modern but interesting, with plenty of non-fruit complexity. 91/100."

Fête du Vin - Séguret

2009-09-06T16:24:00.001+02:00

This year’s Fête du Vin in Séguret attracted a multitude of visitors with our appellation producers presenting their wines in the vines outside the village.

Augmenting these tastings were a variety of equestrian displays together with horse and donkey rides giving great fun for the children and adults alike. Topping off the day there was a magnificent display of tomfoolery with clowns, music and horses.

The star attraction on the Mourchon stand was our 2008 rosé, which was drinking extremely well on this beautiful hot summer’s day.

2009 Harvest

2009-09-06T16:20:00.000+02:00

We started this year’s harvest ten days earlier than normal due to our hot summer. With secateurs and buckets, our fourteen pickers were on station mid September when we started the harvest taking grapes from a parcel of Cinsault vines - pictured here.

Vines have weathered the season well and we have good expectations for the vintage.

Cadet Sailing Week

2009-07-10T23:45:00.000+02:00

The Domaine de Mourchon was once again a sponsor for the Royal Burnham Yacht Club’s Cadet Week in August. Held on England’s east coast at Burnham on Crouch, this annual sailing regatta attracted over 100 children between the ages of six to seventeen, all enjoying a full racing programme with ancillary fun activities including Crab fishing, knot-tying competitions, proficiency sailing tests and much more.

The sun shone and the wind blew and everyone had a great time, including the parents who, en masse, made positive comments on the Domaine’s wines at the Mourchon drinks party.

Tour de France – Tour de Wine

2009-07-10T16:35:00.000+02:00

Dale Robertson, wine and sports journalist for the Texas newspaper the Houston Chronicle, covered the recent Tour de France cycle race with American Lance Armstrong very much in mind.

Recently Dale published an amusing report in the Chronicle describing the various wines he tasted at each stage of the tour and, of course, we were particularly pleased with his notes on stage 20, Mont Ventoux: "What I drank: As much as I like some Côtes-du-Ventoux wines, I was determined to drink a bottle of Domaine de Mourchon from the village of Séguret, near Gigondas. This would be my only splurge meal of the trip, at Raoul Reichrath's one-star Michelin restaurant Le Grand Prè in Roaix, where I found Mourchon's 2005 Grande Reserve. I wish I'd had: Nothing else, even if the famous Châteauneuf-du-Pape vineyards were just a few kilometers away across the Rhône, tempting me with their siren song. The 2006 Grande Reserve is at Spec's, Houston Texas."

Picture: Dale Robertson

The Economic Downturn...

2009-07-10T11:51:00.001+02:00

What it means to a small french wine producer.

The world financial crisis has affected and will affect us all, including small producers of French wine like us at Domaine de Mourchon. This, our eleventh vintage, will in all probability prove to be our most difficult yet. Not through climatic conditions, but because of the violent downturn of the world economy. This current environment certainly separates the men from the boys and we are making every endeavour to adjust and take advantage of these tough times.

Our exports have suffered from the downturn of consumer spending on a world wide basis. This is partly due to currency fluctuations, in particular the weakness of the US dollar, and UK sterling against the Euro. However, these difficulties have been countered by positive and indeed excellent reviews Mourchon has received from the international wine media for our 2007 vintage wines. This is reflected in the dramatic increase in our domestic sales here at the vineyard, especially with our two special cuvees Grenache and Syrah at the top end of our pricelist, while at the bottom the timing of the release of our moderately priced Côtes du Rhône 2008 vintage has also proved to be right for the current economic environment.

Although there is talk of the green shoots of recovery, we see a continuation of stormy times ahead and understand the need for quality, innovation and service to carry us through to more stable times.

Alfa Romeo Club

2009-07-10T11:49:00.005+02:00

Another exciting day at Mourchon. This time, it was a visit from a group of Alfa Romeo enthusiasts who had driven their cars all the way from Holland for a tour and tasting. Our man Hugo, by all accounts, gave them a great time during their visit.

Côtes du Rhône - Recent Review by Wine Spectator

2009-07-10T11:42:00.007+02:00

New notes from James Molesworth on our Côtes du Rhône 2008:

87 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône 2008 $11 Fresh and juicy, with open-knit red cherry and currant fruit laced with hints of "garrigue" and tobacco. There's a nice chalky twinge on the finish. Drink now. 1,000 cases made. - J.M.

The Winemaker's House

2009-05-07T16:25:00.004+02:00

The Mourchon gîte which is available for letting on a weekly basis has proved a popular destination especially for wine-loving holiday makers from Europe and the Americas. Pictured here is the swimming pool and the garden adjoining the gîte.

Wine Spectator June 2009

2009-05-07T16:18:00.009+02:00

Follows the review notes of James Molesworth, the Rhône specialist journalist with the Wine Spectator in which he comments on our 2007 special cuvées and Tradition and our 2006 Grande Réserve:

91 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret G Family Reserve 2007 $ 45 Very enticing, with blueberry, fig and boysenberry fruit laced with spice, fruitcake and melted licorice notes. The long, perfume- and graphite-filled finish is nicely rounded and plenty deep. Grenache. Drink now through 2011. 200 cases made. – J.M.

91 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Grande Réserve 2006 $ 24 Very dark, showing fig and currant plast notes, but very racy, with raphite, freshly drawn expresso, bittersweet cocoa and black tea notes helping to extend the long, alluring finish. Nice underlying grip. Drink now through 2011. 3,000 cases made.. – J.M.

90 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret S Family Reserve 2007 $ 40 Dark and broad, with crushed plum, hoisin sauce, black licorice snap and fruitcake notes backed by a fleshy, toasty finish. Racy and long, with lingering violet notes. Syrah. Drink now through 2011. 200 cases made. – J.M.

88 Domaine de Mourchon Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition 2007 $ 16 Fresh, with floral, red currant and blackberry fruit notes backed by a tangy, mineral-tinged finish. Juicy and racy. Grenache, Syrah and Carignan. Drink now through 2010. 5,000 cases made. – J.M.

Girlpower

2009-05-07T16:15:00.000+02:00

This has been an active period during these early summer months when our all girl team has been trimming “épamprage” and training “relevage” the shoots around the wires supporting the vines.

Spring in the Vineyard

2009-05-07T16:03:00.003+02:00

Spring is with us and the vines are now showing their 2009 leaves and flower buds. An example can be seen here of a Grenache vine – planted during 2004.

Bottling a Special Vintage

2009-05-07T15:36:00.004+02:00

Pictured here is the second tranch of bottling for our 2007 vintage Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret wines during which we completed 11 000 bottles in a short day’s work!

Noisette – Back to Basics with a Horse !

2009-03-13T17:25:00.003+01:00

Since the 2006 vintage, we have vinified a parcel of old grenache using open-topped demi-muid barrels (capacity 600 litres) in order to obtain a perfect osmosis between the grape and the barrel. This approach brings out the finesse and elegance of these magnificent grenache vines and this year, we went a little further deciding to work the parcel with a horse called Noisette and its owner Jean-Marc.

In early March, Noisette worked the vines by turning over the earth onto the roots with a ploughshare, going back and forth along each row and then ploughing through the middle area between the vines. The objective is to eliminate chemical weed killers, to keep the ground from compacting, to improve the microbic life of the soil and to equalize the earth levels between the rows.

Thank you, Noisette, for the good work and see you again in the month of May!

Robert Parker Reviews Mourchon's Current Vintages

2009-03-13T16:25:00.006+01:00

Here is the current review of the Domaine de Mourchon wines listed in his journal, the Wine Advocate:

"The 2006 Tradition exhibits a dense ruby/purple hue as well as a luscious perfume of blackberries, cherries, earth, pepper, and garrigue. A classic for the region, it is a rich, full-bodied, pure wine to consume over the next 4-5 years. 90

The 2006 Grande Reserve tastes more like a great Chateauneuf du Pape than a Cotes du Rhone-Villages Seguret. There is plenty of tannin, earth, garrigue, spice box, and pepper characteristics as well as oodles of black cherry and black currant fruit. This beautifully complex wine with tremendously expressive aromatics cuts a broad, full-bodied mouthfeel, but do not think it can’t age as it possesses plenty of structure and tannin. It should hit its stride in two years, and last for a decade thereafter. 91

The 2007 Grande Reserve is nearly off the charts for a wine from such a humble appellation. An inky/ruby/purple color is accompanied by thick, rich, cassis, black raspberry, licorice, and lavender aromas, exceptional purity, remarkable concentration, layers of fruit and glycerin, and unreal depth. This sensational Cotes du Rhone-Villages should drink well for a decade. 92-94

Purely Grenache, the 2006 Family Reserve boasts a dense ruby/purple hue in addition to a big, sweet bouquet of kirsch, lavender, pepper, and licorice. Broad, opulent, and fleshy with stunning concentration, purity, and depth, this is another example of an estate that seems to eclipse its previous vintages’ high quality with each new offering. Drink this beauty over the next 7-8 years. 92

I tasted both the Syrah and Grenache components that will make up the 2007 Family Reserve, and they offer further evidence (if any more were needed) that in the southern Rhone, 2007 is a vintage of a lifetime. Unreal layers of flavors (black raspberries, kirsch, blackberries, licorice, garrigue, and subtle smoke) are extravagantly presented in a pure, full-bodied, gorgeously textured, seamless style. 92-95

One of the reference point estates in the southern Cotes du Rhone, Domaine de Mourchon is situated in the charmingly beautiful Provencal hill top village of Seguret. This is a tour de force in winemaking from the Cotes du Rhone-Villages of Seguret. Kudos to Domaine de Mourchon! These splendid cuvees are all worth buying by the caseload."

La Madelène - Rhône Wine Holidays

2009-02-27T13:54:00.002+01:00

We were lucky enough to be invited to eat Sunday lunch with Philip and Jude Reddaway the other day.

In order to facilitate their radical departure from the UK where they had established careers in law and advertising, Philip went about studying for a WSET Diploma and Jude learnt the carpentry and building skills necessary for a seriously ambitious renovation project.

The results are impressive. They have exquisitely restored a12th C priory to serve as a base for their residential wine courses and tours. The setting is perfect for their purpose – well located to visit Philips extensive list of southern Rhone vignerons and the ancient walls of the priory give the place a wonderfully meditative atmosphere conducive to any kind of study, respite or relaxation. They also host yoga courses and do chambres d’hotes. To find out more visit their website.

Nick Hamilton writes...

2009-02-17T16:53:00.007+01:00

In Les Conseillers du Vin, Nick Hamilton comments on our 2006 vintage of the Grande Reserve:

As good, if not better than many Châteauneuf-du-Pape, this aromatic Rhône red displays new oak, ripe berries and a hint of terroir. In a modern style with ripe full flavours, with fresh acidity and lots of tannins for prolonged aging (4 to 6 years). Try with grilled red meats.

Value in the United States

2009-02-17T16:48:00.007+01:00

The current edition of Wine Spectator has an article headed “1000 good values for $ 20 or less” and the content lists wine available from worldwide producers selling at under 20$ a bottle.

Our 2006 vintage Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition is among those wines mentioned, noted at an average retail cost of $16, having received 88 points in the Wine Spectator review.

Top wine writers take the same view

2009-01-20T16:55:00.017+01:00

Value value value…
Jancis Robinson and Robert Parker, two of the world's most respected wine writers both have recently emphasized the value that is to be found in wine from the Southern Rhone Valley and in particular Cotes du Rhone Villages and Cotes du Rhone.
Jancis Robinson – Financial Times January 17th-18th 2009
“Bargains on the grapevine:
So, in straitened times, what sort of wines are likely to offer the best value? The stunningly obvious candidates are the less expensive wines of the southern Rhône. For between £5 and £8 (or well under $20) a bottle, you can find a host of wonderfully rich, herb-scented, characterful reds – and a few whites too. The vintages currently available, 2007, 2006 and 2005, are all excellent and at this price level most of the wines on offer should be drinking well already. Look out for names such as Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône-Villages…”
Robert Parker – eRobertParker.com January 2009
“Top Value Rhone Valley Wines:
The treasure trove of values that has existed for decades and continues to be one of the great sources for frugal consumers is the Côtes du Rhône and Côtes du Rhône-Villages appellations in the southern Rhône … Readers need to focus on the estate-bottled level, where some terrific overachievers make beautiful wines that sell for a song.”

UK Wine Forum

2009-01-20T16:47:00.002+01:00

Nigel Williams of the UK Wine Forum recently reviewed our Tradition 1999 vintage red wine and here are his comments:

“On the nose, kirsch, iodine, a bit of burnt herbs. Still a dark purple colour. On the palate still quite young with a little black pepper, chewy tannin and good acidity. Dark dark fruit with quite a long finish. Nice balance - drinking well, but will last several years. Very good value at this price range for a 10-year old CDR Villages.”

(http://www.wine-pages.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=018940)

Tasting - Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

2008-12-23T17:28:00.003+01:00

At the beginning of December Domaine de Mourchon was lucky enough to be selected to represent Séguret at a tasting of Côtes du Rhône Villages at the opulent Hotel Crillon in Paris. Chosen by a jury of vignerons, sommeliers and oenologists, the impressive selection of wines from eleven different Southern Rhone villages clearly represented the ever-increasing quality of wines from this appellation.

Texans Appreciate Côtes du Rhône Wine

2008-12-23T17:16:00.002+01:00

The highlight of my recent visit to Texas was a Mourchon dinner incorporating a vertical tasting of our Domaine’s wines from the first vintage in 1998 to 2006. Christophe Paul the respected Houston restaurateur organised the dinner and tasting at his Max and Julie’s Brasserie - the evening was a sell-out with a large compliment of Mourchon fans comparing and enjoying the wines we have produced during the past ten years.

Douglas Skopp of Dionysus, our importer and distributor in the South West of the United States, supported me in presenting the wines, which have, thanks to his efforts, made a considerable impact in the State of Texas.

Whilst in Texas, I drove from Houston to the State capital Austin to spend a fulfilling day with Barbie Shows, Douglas Skopp’s local representative, visiting several retail outlets selling the Domaine’s wine in the city. Barbie had organised a tasting for restaurateurs at Vino Vino, an impressive Austin wine bar owned and managed by Jeff Courington. Impressive for me means a quality lay-out and bottle presentation together with fair pricing and experienced staff giving a personal service. We also visited three of the city’s Spec’s wine stores and John Roenigk’s Austin Wine Merchant, all doing an excellent job with the Mourchon range.

Wine appreciation in Austin is apparent and certainly showing growth and without doubt, the State of Texas is enjoying wine from the Rhône Valley.

Resveratrol

2008-11-21T17:24:00.008+01:00

In recent times, the chemical compound resveratrol – originating from grape seeds –has received a great deal of media attention. Scientific research groups from as far a field as Taiwan to North Carolina are experimenting by monitoring the short and long-term effects of resveratrol. Claims from these groups vary from the elimination of fat cells, the anti-oxidant value of cancer prevention, and the overall improvement of health make this a hot subject. However, apparently there has yet to be this kind of research using human candidates and therefore no proof we can live longer and be healthier by taking resveratrol in some form. Us red wine drinkers and users of the Domaine de Mourchon resveratrol-based rich face cream can only live in hope!

Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône

2008-11-21T17:19:00.010+01:00

Although still two months away, it is important to think about Découvertes en Vallée du Rhône the bi-annual series of tastings which this time will be concentrated in Avignon. Wines from the Southern Rhône region will be represented in the historic centre of Avignon during the week commencing 16th of March 2009.

The Domaine de Mourchon will be showing their range of wines on Tuesday March 17th with other Côtes du Rhône Villages producers and we very much hope to see you there.

Houston Chronicle Wine Column 28 October 2008

2008-10-30T17:44:00.016+01:00

Dale Robertson writes:

• 2005 Domaine Mourchon Grande Réserve

Score:18.3 (4.3, 6, 8)

My take: From Englishman Walter McKinlay, who owns a Houston IT company, this is Châteauneuf-du-Pape-quality wine, minus the price (4.2).
Taster's comment: "Well-balanced and polished, with great black fruit."
Buy it: $26.65 at Spec's. Also at Houston Wine Merchant. Restaurants/wine bars include Ibiza, Café Rabelais, Au Petit Paris, Tasting Room, Cru, Catalan, Quattro, Indika, Voice, Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, Brenner's on the Bayou, Aura, Dharma Cafe, Max's Wine Dive, El Meson, Vic & Anthony's Steakhouse, Voice, Laurier Cafe.

• 2005 Domaine Mourchon Tradition

Score: 18 (4, 6, 8)

My take: I've loved this fruity, peppery wine since its first release, a 1998, began putting tiny Séguret, just north of Gigondas, on the map (4.1).
Taster's comment: "Perfect balance, silky tannins."
Buy it: $16.90 at Spec's. Also at Houston Wine Merchant. Restaurants/wine bars include Tony's, Chez Nous, Café Rabelais, Bistro Calais, Gravitas, Raven Grill, the Grove, Bistro Provence, Brasserie Max & Julie, Backstreet Cafe, Bistro Don Camillo, Vintropolis, El Meson, Vine Wine Room, St. Regis Hotel.

Après les Vendanges

2008-10-29T17:11:00.000+01:00

The Domaine recently hosted a show called Cabaret Electrique as part of the festival Après les vendanges. This festival is a series of theatre, music and video by local artists performed in seven local villages. The talent displayed by those involved was impressive and the organisation – managed by Patrick Roux – excellent.

Mourchon Christmas Market

2008-10-13T17:25:00.000+02:00

Several of those who attended our last Christmas market at the domaine have asked that we arrange a similar event this year and we are now delighted to advise that our 2008 market will run for two days – Saturday and Sunday 29th and 30th November. We shall be open from 10.00 hrs till 19.00 hrs on both days.

Besides wine and food tasting, children singing Christmas Carols and a great atmosphere this will be a wonderful opportunity to buy your Christmas presents from more than twenty stallholders showing their wares at the winery. A wide range of goods will be available including art, pottery, jewellery, Christmas puddings, and decorations and much much more.

Please put the date in your diary and come to the Mourchon Christmas market. It will be a lot of fun!

Harvest 2008

2008-10-13T09:19:00.006+02:00

This year our harvest went extremely smoothly with beautiful weather all the way through, and a great team of harvesters and winery workers who’s hard work and humour will stay long in the memory of the 2008 Vintage.

With an international workforce - Spanish, Moroccan, Tunisian – of pickers together with an Irishman and Frenchman driving the tractors the team picked and delivered one hundred tons of grapes to the winery for the first stage of vinification – fermentation. Here Sébastien our winemaker is actively involved in the initial stages of production ably assisted by his all girl team from Glasgow and New Jersey. Although slightly less in volume this year we have expectations of a good vintage at this early stage.

Our range of red wines for the 2008 vintage will be Côtes du Rhône, Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret -Tradition, Grande Réserve, and two special cuvées – One 100% Grenache and the other 100% Syrah. Also included in the range is the ever-popular Loubié rosé. The reds will be released during 2010 and the rosé in the spring of 2009.

Guide Hachette 2009

2008-09-10T09:01:00.015+02:00

The new Guide Hachette des Vins, France's respected wine guide, writes on our Tradition 2006: Since buying their domaine located at an altitude of 350m in the hills of Séguret, the McKinlay family is regularly mentioned in the Guide. You need to wait two to four years before relishing this wine with its brilliant black dusky robe. If the nose is still a little reserved with notes of undergrowth, cherry and cooked red fruit, the palate is a battle between aromas and powerful tannins, which the latter win at this point in time. Time will balance out the presence of both forces.

Wine Spectator September 2008 Buying Guide

2008-09-10T09:00:00.010+02:00

James Molesworth on our 2006 Tradition - Dark and juicy, with a core of plum, currant and blackberry fruit layered with notes of bittersweet cocoa, fruitcake and hoisin sauce. There's also a nice bit of briary grip on the finish. Fresher and purer than the Family Reserve. Drink now through 2009. 88/100

Further reading on the Wine Spectator website: Family Reserve 2006 - Quite toasty, with ambitious mocha and vanilla notes holding the upper hand on roasted plum and boysenberry fruit flavors. Rich texture, with the sweet spice-filled toast dominating the finish. For fans of the style. Grenache. Drink now through 2009. 88/100

Perswijn: Olive Oil and Wine

2008-07-25T11:30:00.011+02:00

In their July edition, the Dutch wine magazine (link) reports a tasting of olive oil from wine estates. Here is what they say of our production: “Powerful oil with good fruit, herbal, strong in taste, peppery and with a slight stimulating bitterness.” ****

Perswijn also notes our rose and red wines: Loubié 2007 – Juice and fruit, beautifully soft and creamy, strawberries, good acidity and a slightly bitter aftertaste to balance. ****(*) Tradition 2006 – Profound, cherries and berries, peppery, warm, currants and firm tannin. ****(*) Grande Reserve 2006 – Vanilla, spices, laurel, complex, juicy, dark hues, "terroir" and mineral. *****

The wines are available at Thiessen Wijnkoopers Maastricht.

Great opportunity for wine lovers, walkers and cyclists…

2008-07-24T16:54:00.001+02:00

House to rent situated at our beautiful vineyard near the village of Seguret by the Dentelles de Montmirail in the South of France.

The house is to let on a weekly basis from 21st September this year and consists of two apartments with the following options:

Option 1 – rent the complete house: 5 bedrooms, 2 living areas, 2 kitchens, 3 bathrooms, a garden and terraces at €1,250 per week.

Option 2 – rent the top house (two floors) with 3 bedrooms, a living area, a kitchen, 2 bathrooms, a garden and terraces at €750 per week.

The harvest will begin around the 23rd of September and you will have a front line view of all the action. The grape picking usually takes three weeks to finish in early October.

Should you be interested, please call or email us at info@domainedemourchon.com.

Shoot Thinning

2008-07-23T11:32:00.000+02:00

There are a range of canopy management techniques, the applicability of which varies from vineyard to vineyard. The simplest of these are trimming, which cuts off excessive shoot growth in the summer, shoot thinning which removes unwanted shoots early in the season, leaf removal in the fruit zone, which allows more exposure to sun and wind, and shoot positioning, which makes trimming and leaf removal easy and effective.

At this time of the year we are completing our programme of shoot thinning and pictured here is Malika taking care of our vines.

Drink Rhône

2008-07-23T11:26:00.006+02:00

Rhone wine specialist and respected author John LIVINGSTONE-LEARMONTH recently published on his website Drink Rhone reviews of the Domaine de Mourchon wines. There follows a selection of our current vintages. For the complete review, please check his website.

Loubié 2007**
Pink-salmon robe, almost like the Rowing Club of Leander. There are breezy, crisp notes to the nose, with red stone fruit backed by some varnish, maybe yeast: is broad and fragrant overall. The palate has a soft start, its texture is mooth, the flavour is of squeezy red fruit, with some bite towards the finish as it closes. Provides easy drinking, aperitif or food. The fruit is rather delicately drawn, and sympa. The length is good – there is a nice savoury aftertaste.

Tradition 2006***
Red cherry robe; has an outward going bouquet blackberry fruit of some intensity – that holds up well, and has a steady width and backdrop. There is some black pepper at the edges. The palate has a clear strike of fruit – this is a wine of good raspberry persistence, clear and tasty late on. The fruit quality is high – as usual from this domaine, it is very clearly struck, and its tannins are poised and ripe. It drinks freshly now, and I tis good solo or in a CHR restaanrant context. A w.o.w. wine with all that gush of fruit – there is mulberry with some tannins late on to tighten it, so it closes clean and fresh.

Grande Reserve 2005**(*)
Purple with some mauve in the robe; there is a generous air to the simmered blackberry aroma, with some bone and herb-vegetal alongside – shows some latent power. There is a robust heart to this wine, with dashes of tannic lining that emerge in the form of licorice. There are sweet gamey notes on the palate. Ends pretty clear: this has a definite vintage sinew, that is most notable on the slightly pebbly finish, when there is heat and power and some tautness in the texture. The air does not favour it – it becomes dry, and loses richness. Leave until 2009 spring, and review then.

Decanter Magazine

2008-06-24T17:43:00.006+02:00

We were pleased to have had coverage in the Decanter magazine with a review of our wines by Michael Broadbent “ From the British-owned Domaine de Mourchon, its Tradition 2006: well-made Côtes du Rhône Villages, full bodied, good value at £7.75. The Grande Réserve 2005 is fragrant, fleshy and worth its slightly higher price.”

Also, to have received Silver Medal award in the World Wine Awards competition for our Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition 2006 red wine – more than nine thousand wines were entered for these awards.

Jancis Robinson

2008-06-23T17:52:00.002+02:00

Jancis Robinson of the Financial Times recently published an article describing a London wine tasting of British producers with French vineyards.

A quote from Jancis: “…WalterMcKinlay, whose southern Rhône wines are some of the most successful from a British domaine…”.

Her specific notes describing our wine are as follows:

“Domaine de Mourchon, Tradition 2006 Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret – Unoaked but with fruit this concentrated wine, from a fine terroir north of Châteauneuf, does not need any make-up. Lots of fruit, juice and charm. The McKinlays’ winemaker has also made an impressive, massive Family Reserve 2006 that would give many a Châteauneuf a run for their money and the Loubié Rosé 2007 from a parcel of Cinsault is also super-fruity without being too obviously sweet.”

Cream

2008-06-23T16:53:00.002+02:00

After considerable research and a subsequent program of tests on willing volunteers, we are happy with our Mourchon skin cream, which is now on sale at the vineyard.

Made entirely from natural ingredients sourced from our vineyard and local producers, the cream is made using grape seed oil, olive oil, apricot kernel oil, and a compound of grape seeds called resveratrol, which is known to have great anti-oxidant properties. In addition, we add rose hip oil and vitamin E oil which combine to work in reducing wrinkles and the effects of ageing.

The cream should be used sparingly on face and neck, night and morning and it is good for any rough patches of skin.

The cream sells for €12,50 in a 60ml jar at our Caveau.

Mr. Parker Says...

2008-06-23T16:45:00.001+02:00

2006 CUVEE SPECIALE ANNIVERSAIRE (FAMILY RESERVE) RED 90-93+
2006 GRANDE RESERVE RED 90-93
2005 GRANDE RESERVE RED 91+
2006 TRADITION RED 87-89
2005 TRADITION RED 89+

This is the best estate today in Séguret, and they continue to take the quality of their Côtes du Rhône to an exciting level. Of course, Grenache is the base for these wines. They are gorgeously made, pure, rich, beautifully textured, savory and everything a wine in Provence should be. All of this can be attributed to Englishman Walter McKinlay, who purchased 40+ acres in 1998. It is amazing how quickly he has become a superstar in Séguret. The ageing process here is relatively simple, with the wines kept in both concrete vats and oak casks. There is 100% destemming.

The 2005 Côtes du Rhône Séguret Tradition is a brilliant wine, dense ruby/purple with plenty of blue and black fruits, moderately high tannins, but a sweet and savory mouthfeel. This is a seriously endowed Côtes du Rhône that should drink well for 10-12 years. The 2006 Côtes du Rhône Séguret Tradition is a lighter style that one would be tempted to call more elegant vis à vis the more massive 2005, but it has very pretty fruit, loads of cherries and strawberries, roundness, and charm that are lovely and ideal for drinking over the next 5-6 years. The top cuvee for most vintages is the Grande Réserve, which is often a blend of about 55% Grenache and the rest Syrah. Yields are very small, in the 20-25 hectoliters per hectare range. The 2005 is stunning, inky bluish/purple to the rim, with a beautiful nose of crème de cassis, licorice, a touch of pepper, and roasted meats. It is dense, full-bodied, moderately tannic, and will benefit from 2-3 years of cellaring and keep for 12-15 years. It is an ambitious and brilliant Côtes du Rhône. The 2006 Côtes du Rhône Séguret Grande Réserve reveals the beautiful charm, forward fruit and lusciousness of this vintage. The wine is deep ruby, has plenty of sweet cherry and strawberry notes, hints of licorice and herbs, and a luscious, round opulent mouthfeel.

To celebrate their anniversary, a tiny cuvee of 2006 Cuvée Spéciale Anniversaire has been produced. This is a gorgeously sexy, opulent wine with tremendous ripeness, gorgeous texture, and fabulous length and richness. It should drink nicely for 10-12 years.

John Lewis Wine Club

2008-05-31T17:36:00.000+02:00

We had a delightful visit recently from the John Lewis Wine Club of Edinburgh who enjoyed a tour of the vineyard, a tasting of the current vintages and lunch among the fermentation tanks (see photo and note the national flag of Scotland!). The enthusiasm and interest displayed by the members during their visit was most encouraging.

Uit Magazine Belgium

2008-05-31T17:31:00.000+02:00

Guido Francque, wine journalist for UIT Magazine, loves our village of Séguret by the Dentelles de Montmirail, and wrote about its vineyards in the May edition. He mentions the Domaine de Mourchon - our art-shows, concerts and the walk created in the vineyard. He also lists our “terroir” products, which include olive oil, jam, chutney and Worcesterish Sauce. He kindly writes that he thinks our wines are some of the best in the region.

Contemporary Art

2008-05-31T17:29:00.000+02:00

Michel Causse will show his recent work at our tasting room through the end of August. Michel lives and works in Provence since 1971 and has lived in Séguret for 22 years.

If you would like to see his work and of course taste our wines, you can visit Domaine de Mourchon's tasting room from Monday through Friday, from 8 - 12 hours and from 14 - 18 hours. During the summer season, we are also here on Saturday afternoons. Please call for an appointment if you wish to come at any other time or on a bank-holiday.

London International Wine Fair

2008-05-31T16:52:00.002+02:00

Current vintages of the Mourchon wine were on show at the London Wine Fair recently and attracted considerable interest from a wide range of visitors. Our newly launched skin cream made from natural ingredients including resveratrol caused quite a stir especially of course with the ladies.

The London show goes from strength to strength and we were delighted to meet existing customers and many new contacts this year.

Belgian Cotes du Rhone Tasting

2008-05-31T16:49:00.005+02:00

Our Flemish customer ‘t Soete Huys recently entered our wine into a Côtes du Rhône blind tasting in Belgium with exceedingly good results. There were twenty-seven entries, including wines from Vacqueyras, Gigondas and Crozes-Hermitage and our Côtes du Rhône Villages Séguret Tradition 2006 was the outright winner with our Grande Réserve 2004 taking second place.

Naturally we are very pleased with this tasting and hope that this will help build the sales of Mourchon wines in Belgium.