Skip to main content
Bottle and Glass
0
  • Red Wine
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Chile
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
    • Spain
    • USA
  • White Wine
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
  • Rosé Wine
    • Australia
    • France
  • Sparkling Wine
    • Australia
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • Spain
  • Sweet
    • Australia
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
  • Mixed Cases
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Magnums
  • Super Premium
Bottle and Glass
0
Cart0 Login / Register
  • Red Wine
    • Argentina
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • Chile
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
    • Spain
    • USA
  • White Wine
    • Australia
    • Austria
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • South Africa
  • Rosé Wine
    • Australia
    • France
  • Sparkling Wine
    • Australia
    • France
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
    • Spain
  • Sweet
    • Australia
    • France
    • Germany
    • Italy
    • New Zealand
  • Mixed Cases
  • Gift Vouchers
  • Magnums
  • Super Premium
  • Home
  • Our Newsletter
  • Languedoc Legend La Pèira

Languedoc Legend La Pèira

David   6 March 2014 

Andrew Jefford knows a lot about wine, he writes well and is a wine critic I enjoy reading. He’s published many books and writes for several high profile publications including Decanter Magazine. A native of the UK, he’s been keen on the Languedoc region in the south of France for a long time, saying that “in fifty years, Languedoc will be producing as many great wines as the Rhône valley and rather more than Burgundy.” He's also lived there for the last 3 years.

The hope is he’s gathering information for another book that will cast light on this rapidly evolving and exciting region. I’m also a fan of Languedoc, having written about several wines from the region, which is why in April last year my interest was piqued when Jefford penned these words:
“I did a vertical tasting of the wines of La Pèira… They were shockingly, shatteringly good; it’s a long while since I have tasted wines which were quite that exciting from any region. It’s a jaw-dropping prospect for the future… every time I get a chance to taste these wines, they bring me uncommon pleasure. They are concentrated, perfumed, fleshy, heady, allusive and beguiling. Every bottle is drained to the last drop. As I polish the glasses afterwards, I begin looking forward to the next time… They could be the work of a genius.”Decanter, April 2013.

That’s an incredible rap - as a friend of mine rather humorously noted, “he’s not a gushy kinda guy.” A little bit of research uncovered more of the same though from other high profile critics:

“La Pèira continues to knock it out of the park and in my view is the leading estate in all of the Languedoc and Roussillon.”Jeb Dunnuck, March 2013, writer for The Wine Advocate and The Rhône Report.

“Wines that need not fear comparison with any of the world’s wine icons.”Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate #183.

And it’s not just praise from afar, the French themselves are onto it. Here’s Bertrand Rougier, editor of the Guide Lafont:
“In just a few years, La Pèira has established itself as one of the most groundbreaking properties of the Languedoc-Roussillon. The property now ranks alongside (and in some eyes even above) the best of the best in Bordeaux and Burgundy.” November 2013.

The superlatives go on but you get the picture - this is an extraordinary estate.



Its full name is La Pèira en Damaisèla and it was established in 2004 by composer Rob Dougan, an Australian expat based in London and his French-Chinese wife and lawyer Karine Ahton. The property is a tiny 11.4 ha and is situated in the Terrasses du Larzac, northwest of Montpellier.

Grapes were established here well before Bordeaux and Burgundy, but the region only received official recognition as an appellation within the Coteaux du Languedoc in 2005. Interestingly, this wild and idyllic terrain is also Roquefort (cheese) country. In 2004 the the region gained some celebrity when it appeared in the wine film ‘Mondovino.’ Since then Andrew Jefford has developed a theory “that Terrasses du Larzac is the greatest spot in Languedoc.”Decanter Feb 2009.

The familiar Languedoc varieties of grenache, syrah, mourvèdre, cinsault and cargignan are found here and the usual restrictive French wine laws apply, stipulating blending percentages.

It’s a hilly place with parts of the appellation rising to over 800m. The resulting diurnal variations, as much as 20 degrees celsius, mean that the grapes mature slowly and steadily... a good thing.

The winemaker at La Pèria is the talented Jérémie Depierre, who gained his experience at no less thanChâteau Margaux (1st growth Bordeaux) and Château Guiraud (1st growth Bordeaux, Sauternes). Acclaimed consultant oenologist Claude Gros is also part of the team and brings a strong Bordeaux influence with him as well.

There were established vineyards in place when La Pèria was founded and the vines are now between 10-40 years old. These are intensively tended by hand and yields are miniscule. As with many great estates ‘less is more’ and the wines are made with as little interference as possible.

The wines of La Pèria are simply stunning and I highly recommend them to you.


Les Obriers de la Pèira 2011

1. Les Obriers de la Pèira 2011

65% cinsault and 35% carignan, this wine has been aged between 18-24 months in large old oak barrels before being bottled unfiltered and unfined.

You’ll be drawn in by the intense aromatics as soon as the cork comes out. It’s an intriguing wine - a blend we don’t often see and its aromas and flavours are enticing and familiar, yet a little hard to put your finger on. It has a combination of fresh, sweet and savoury that changes as the wine opens up - prunes, raisins, liquorice and cedar. It is soft and approachable, yet juicy and dense and shows great finesse - amazing given that it’s 14.5% alcohol. Rich and smooth with gentle tannins. Delicious.

“Savoury scents of undergrowth and mushrooms with lush, smooth, soft yet vivid fruit flavours and a faint chestnutty sweetness. Mouth-filling and poised”.Andrew Jefford (he’s not a fan of scoring).

“It displays a finesse oriented profile with notions of red and black fruits, old leather, rose petal, and background herbs carrying through the medium-bodied, seamless, and decidedly polished palate that has integrated, yet racy acidity keeping everything focused nicely. Turning more and more floral and elegant with air, it’s a beautiful wine that will drink nicely for 4-6 years.”91 points.Jeb Dunnuck, The Rhône Report March 2013.

“Raspberry, coffee, hazelnut, dried herb. Almost sticky feeling in the mouth, medium weight, some warmth, light tannin, blood and a bit of ash on a pretty decent finish. Solid, but sort of comforting. Certainly has interest and intrigue.”91 points. Gary Walsh, The Wine Front.

I couldn’t help but think what kind of wine I’d get for the same price from a major wine region like Burgundy. Though obviously a different style, I’d get basic Bourgogne Rouge, the simplest and most generic of the appellation’s wines. In the La Pèira I get something interesting, perfumed, with texture and twice the intensity! Pretty simple choice.

I can offer it for $40 a bottle.  SOLD OUT - Check availability


Matissat La Pèira “Les Terrasses du Larzac” 2011

2. Matissat La Pèira “Les Terrasses du Larzac” 2011
This unique wine is 100% mourvèdre that’s been aged for 18 months in large, new and old oak. Mourvèdre is a warm climate variety that’s been in Australia for a long time, where it’s known as Mataro, and has historically been used to make fortified wines. In France its traditional home is Bandol in Provence. You’re most likely to see the variety in a blend where it’s used to add colour, tannin and alcohol.

“Make no mistake this is a very special wine made on a very special estate.”Jancis Robinson at a vertical tasting of Matissat vintages 2007-2011. Not many critics have reviewed the current 2011 vintage, however in Nov 2013 the previous 2010 release was described as a “legend in the making,” scored 100 points and was named Best Red Wine of France in the Lafont Presse ‘Classement des Meilleurs Vins de France’ 2014.

The 2011 is a wine of powerful fruit, immense concentration and high alcohol, yet it in no way seems heavy or extracted. This refinement balances the explosion of flavour on the palate, giving it real wow factor. The wine tastes like mourvèdre, with dark fruit flavours of blackberry, blueberry and plum, and there’s no heavy oak influence. It also has a real silkiness, with none of the chewy toughness often found with the variety. Powerfully refined and intense - an amazing wine.

“Firm transparent deep crimson. Showing the mineral side of this wine at the moment. Delicate but sweet and seductive too. Very appealing. Transparent. This doesn't taste like a 14.5% wine. Very clean, pure and driven. Great energy.” Jancis Robinson, 17.5/20 (a very high score from her).

Yes – it’s worth it.

I can offer it for $150 a bottle (11 bottles available only). SOLD OUT - Check availability


La Pèira “Les Terrasses du Larzac” Rouge 2011

3. La Pèira “Les Terrasses du Larzac” Rouge 2011

The top wine of the estate, known simply as La Pèira, is a blend of two thirds syrah and one third grenache. Meticulous fruit selection means that only about 300 cases are made.

This is a serious, serious wine - dense, plush and concentrated. Think Southern Rhône warmth and generosity meets Northern Rhône precision and intensity – which means that despite all the power, it’s not overdone and it’s built to age.

La Pèira is known to be incredibly consistent, maintaining this high standard each year. The 2007 release garnered this from Californian winemaker Manfred Krankl of Sine Qua Non (the most coveted cult Californian winery you’ve never heard of with a 6-year waiting list for the waiting list) “I have no idea what it costs, but just about whatever it is – buy it!” This single review resulted in the 2007 vintage selling out in the US.

Jeb Dunnuck described the 2010 vintage as “just about as good as wine gets.”Rhône Report, April 2013.

And the current 2011 release:
“Mid crimson. Treacle notes with herbs and spices. Dry finish. Still neat and racy. Transparent. Lively. Overall there is the trademark combination of minerals and sweetness. Sweetness dominates at the moment. Then a bit chewy on the end.”Jancis Robinson, 17/20.

“Elegance is all here, with cassis and plum fruit evocative of Médoc class and a spicy gently peppery finish rendering suitable homage to the Mediterranean.”Simon Field MW (UK).

For a wine of this quality, this is a bargain. Line it up next to a second growth Bordeaux or top Northern Rhône and the proposition becomes clear. And I can only see supply decreasing and the price increasing as the rest of the world cottons on. This is a fabulous wine and will age 20+ years. Go on… grab a treasure for your cellar

I can offer it for $180. SOLD OUT - Check availability

Service

Service

  • My Account
  • Track Order
  • Returns and Refunds

About Us

About Us

  • About Us
  • Our Newsletter
  • Contact Us

Information

Information

  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Shipping
  • Security Policy

Receive our newsletter

Copyright © 2022 Bottle and Glass. All Rights Reserved.
NSW Liquor Licence No. LIQP770010172
ABN: 61 143 856 919
No Alcohol can be sold or supplied to anyone under 18. It’s against the law.
  • MasterCard
  • Visa

Terms & Conditions

Welcome to our website. If you continue to browse and use this website, you are agreeing to comply with and be bound by the following terms and conditions of use, which together with our privacy policy govern Bottle and Glass’s relationship with you in relation to this website. If you disagree with any part of these terms and conditions, please do not use our website.

The term ‘Bottle and Glass’ or ‘us’ or ‘we’ refers to the owner of the website whose registered office is Shop 4, 29 Newland St, Bondi Junction, NSW, 2022. Our ABN is 61 143 856 919. The term ‘you’ refers to the user or viewer of our website.

The use of this website is subject to the following terms of use:

  • The content of the pages of this website is for your general information and use only. It is subject to change without notice.
  • Neither we nor any third parties provide any warranty or guarantee as to the accuracy, timeliness, performance, completeness or suitability of the information and materials found or offered on this website for any particular purpose. You acknowledge that such information and materials may contain inaccuracies or errors and we expressly exclude liability for any such inaccuracies or errors to the fullest extent permitted by law.
  • Your use of any information or materials on this website is entirely at your own risk, for which we shall not be liable. It shall be your own responsibility to ensure that any products, services or information available through this website meet your specific requirements.
  • This website contains material which is owned by or licensed to us. This material includes, but is not limited to, the design, layout, look, appearance and graphics. Reproduction is prohibited other than in accordance with the copyright notice, which forms part of these terms and conditions.
  • All trademarks reproduced in this website, which are not the property of, or licensed to the operator, are acknowledged on the website.
  • Unauthorised use of this website may give rise to a claim for damages and/or be a criminal offence.
  • From time to time, this website may also include links to other websites. These links are provided for your convenience to provide further information. They do not signify that we endorse the website(s). We have no responsibility for the content of the linked website(s).
  • Your use of this website and any dispute arising out of such use of the website is subject to the laws of Australia.

Privacy Policy

This privacy policy sets out how we uses and protects any information that you give us when you use this website.

We are committed to ensuring that your privacy is protected. Should we ask you to provide certain information by which you can be identified when using this website, then you can be assured that it will only be used in accordance with this privacy statement.

We may change this policy from time to time by updating this page. You should check this page from time to time to ensure that you are happy with any changes.

What we collect

We may collect the following information:

  • name and job title
  • contact information including email address
  • demographic information such as postcode, preferences and interests
  • other information relevant to customer surveys and/or offers

What we do with the information we gather

We require this information to understand your needs and provide you with a better service, and in particular for the following reasons:

  • Internal record keeping.
  • We may use the information to improve our products and services.
  • We may periodically send promotional emails about new products, special offers or other information which we think you may find interesting using the email address which you have provided.
  • From time to time, we may also use your information to contact you for market research purposes. We may contact you by email, phone, fax or mail. We may use the information to customise the website according to your interests.

Security

We are committed to ensuring that your information is secure. In order to prevent unauthorised access or disclosure, we have put in place suitable physical, electronic and managerial procedures to safeguard and secure the information we collect online.

How we use cookies

A cookie is a small file which asks permission to be placed on your computer's hard drive. Once you agree, the file is added and the cookie helps analyse web traffic or lets you know when you visit a particular site. Cookies allow web applications to respond to you as an individual. The web application can tailor its operations to your needs, likes and dislikes by gathering and remembering information about your preferences.

We use traffic log cookies to identify which pages are being used. This helps us analyse data about webpage traffic and improve our website in order to tailor it to customer needs. We only use this information for statistical analysis purposes and then the data is removed from the system.
Overall, cookies help us provide you with a better website by enabling us to monitor which pages you find useful and which you do not. A cookie in no way gives us access to your computer or any information about you, other than the data you choose to share with us.
You can choose to accept or decline cookies. Most web browsers automatically accept cookies, but you can usually modify your browser setting to decline cookies if you prefer. This may prevent you from taking full advantage of the website.

Links to other websites

Our website may contain links to other websites of interest. However, once you have used these links to leave our site, you should note that we do not have any control over that other website. Therefore, we cannot be responsible for the protection and privacy of any information which you provide whilst visiting such sites and such sites are not governed by this privacy statement. You should exercise caution and look at the privacy statement applicable to the website in question.

Controlling your personal information

You may choose to restrict the collection or use of your personal information in the following ways:

  • whenever you are asked to fill in a form on the website, look for the box that you can click to indicate that you do not want the information to be used by anybody for direct marketing purposes
  • if you have previously agreed to us using your personal information for direct marketing purposes, you may change your mind at any time by writing to or emailing us.

We will not sell, distribute or lease your personal information to third parties unless we have your permission or are required by law to do so. We may use your personal information to send you promotional information about third parties which we think you may find interesting if you tell us that you wish this to happen.

If you believe that any information we are holding on you is incorrect or incomplete, please write to or email us as soon as possible at the above address. We will promptly correct any information found to be incorrect.