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Anthony Gismondi on Wine
Château Pesquié Ascensiotext
95POINTS
18/20

Château Pesquié Ascensio 2018

Ventoux, Southern Rhone, Rhone Valley, FranceChâteau Pesquié is a remarkable convergence of limestone soils, altitude, and old vines mined to spawn a series of three single vineyard labels: Artemia, Silica, and this delight Ascensio. Its name celebrates the tradition of the ascent of the Mont Ventoux, which goes back to the XIV century. Ascensio is only produced in tiny quantities (less than 3000 bottles) and in exceptional vintages from 50-80-year-old grenache vines. The fruit is farmed manually, and all treatments and composts used in the vineyard are organic. Alexander Chaudiere runs the winemaking. All ferments are made in stainless steel, but the aging occurs in various vessels (tanks, barrels, or concrete) depending on the particular grape involved. In 2018, Ascensio is all about the power of super-ripe grenache mixed with five percent syrah. I revisited this wine one year ago, and very little has changed. It is still a big wine with a rich, overpowering nose of black raspberries, dark plums, licorice, minerals, and dried herbs. Like all the Pesquie wines, it manages all its intensity by remaining fresh and vibrant. There is no rush to drink this intense red, but think of equally rich dishes like bœuf bourguignon, venison, or duck confit. Or, wait until 2028 before you open your bottles.Tasted: 16 March 2022Tasted by: Prices:
BC$99.99750mlselect private retailers
AB$94.99750mlselect private retailers
ON$119.95750mlconsignment Fall 2021
QC$90.75750mlSL
Producer: Famille Chaudière Vignerons d'AltitudesDistributors: Appellation Wine Marketing
Blend: Grenache - SyrahCSPC: 163822UPC: 3760149593661