We've just received a small handful of cuvees from Lori Haon at Petit Oratorie, nestled into the limestone at Valliguieres, ten minutes west of Tavel.
With a couple of disaster-free vintages under his belt (after some consecutive years of the opposite), Lori is building real momentum here in the Gard, producing some of our favourite expressions of this region.
When we visited earlier this year, he was visibly proud of the work that he, his partner Anna and their small team have achieved in 2021, producing wines of real balance and purity. It's a thrill to see this young winemaker hitting his stride.
Tasting through 20+ wines in early February, Lori explained how he now see's the vision for the Domaine: half of the cuvees are intended as a clear expression of their terroir, mineral and pure-fruited. With the other half, the aim is for fun, juicy drinkers.
Available Now:
RED
NEW 2021 - T'as Poussé Le Bouchon Trop Loin! - Cinsault, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan
When the yields are high in and around the Lauzes Blanche parcel, the fruit from the younger vines fills a tank to become ‘Bouchon Trop’. A detailed & juicy lighter red with substance. Great acidity and lift in 2021. Whole bunches topped up with direct-press juice for a slow infusion maceration over 3 weeks. 1 year in concrete.
NEW 2020 - Les Lauzes Blanches - Syrah, Grenache, Carignan, Mourvèdre
Lori’s top red cuvee, from his oldest vines (90-100 years) planted in between the large limestone pebbles that give the wine it’s name. Worked delicately, this is supple and regal, heady with violets and spice: wonderfully accomplished winemaking.
A whole-bunch maceration over 3 weeks after a gentle crush, the wine is slowly basket pressed before nearly two years ageing in concrete. A luxury for Lori, who is short on space at the Domaine, but one that feels more than worth it for this wine.
SKINS
NEW 2020 - Karadeniz - Grenache Blanc
Buried in the garden outside the winery, are a small handful of Georgia Qvevri that Lori saves for small experimental cuvees. In one was Karadeniz, a seven-day maceration of Grenache Gris planted over sandy soils, aged for a year underground.
Buried in the garden outside the winery, are a small handful of Georgia qvevri that Lori saves for small experimental cuvées. The opportunity to take a little Grenache Gris from our friend Anthony at Domaine Bartassou inspired this one.
Profoundly deep, long and herbal: briney macerated blood orange and rooibos tea. A week maceration as whole bunches, aged for a year in qvevri and a further year in concrete.
