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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 only 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 done in stainless steel, but the ageing occurs in various vessels (tank, barrel, 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 down the road, and very little has changed. It is still a big wine with a rich, overpowering nose of black raspberries, dark plums, licorice, mineral, 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 | $99.99 | 750ml | select private retailers |
| AB | $94.99 | 750ml | select private retailers |
| ON | $119.95 | 750ml | consignment Fall 2021 |
| QC | $90.75 | 750ml | SL |
Blend: Grenache - SyrahCSPC: 163822UPC: 3760149593661
