Chateau Puech-Haut Téte de Bélier Saint-Drézéry Rouge 2017

Written By Anthony Clemenza

This 2017 Chateau Puech-Haut Téte de Bélier Saint-Drézéry Rouge is an enjoyable, well-balanced red wine from the Saint-Drézéry appellation in the Languedoc region of southern France. It showcases the richness and complexity typical of the region, with a robust flavor profile of dark fruits, spices, and a touch of oak. While it offers a pleasurable drinking experience, it may not stand out in a memorable way for some. This wine is solidly built and pairs wonderfully with hearty dishes, making it a reliable choice for a variety of occasions.

Our Score: 87

Summary

  • Flavors: Blackberries, plums, hints of black pepper, and subtle notes of vanilla and oak.

  • Pair with: Grilled meats, roasted vegetables, aged cheeses, and hearty stews or casseroles. The medium-bodied structure and balanced acidity make it a versatile companion to a variety of savory dishes.

  • Drink Window: Best consumed between 2025-2030, as the wine has the potential to develop additional complexity and nuance with a few more years of cellaring.

  • Fun Fact: Chateau Puech-Haut is known for its iconic massive wine barrel-shaped tasting room, which has become a landmark in the region and a testament to the winery's innovative spirit.

Tasting Notes

  • Appearance

    • Color: Deep ruby with a slight garnet hue at the edges.

    • Clarity: Clear.

  • Aroma

    • Nose: Aromas of ripe blackberry, plum, and hints of vanilla, with underlying notes of dried herbs and a touch of cedar.

  • Palate

    • Flavor Profile: The wine opens with a burst of juicy dark fruit flavors, followed by a subtle spiciness and a well-integrated oak influence that adds depth and complexity. The mid-palate is balanced, with a medium body and a lingering, smooth finish.

    • Body: Medium

    • Acidity: Medium

    • Tannins: Soft to medium, providing structure without being overpowering.

    • Finish: The finish is relatively long, with a pleasant, velvety texture and a light, lingering aftertaste.

  • Price Range: $30-$40

  • Value for Money: This wine offers good value for its price, providing a quality drinking experience that is reflective of the care and attention to detail put forth by the winemakers at Chateau Puech-Haut.

  • Similar Wines: ans of bold, fruit-forward red blends from the Languedoc region may also enjoy wines from producers such as Mas de Daumas Gassac or Domaine de Villeneuve.

  • Serving Temperature: 60-65°F (15-18°C)

  • Decanting: While not essential, decanting this wine for 30-60 minutes can help open up the aromas and soften the tannins, leading to a more harmonious drinking experience.

Technical Details

  • Winery: Winery: Chateau Puech-Haut (www.chateaupuech-haut.com) Chateau Puech-Haut is one of the most acclaimed and respected producers in the Languedoc region, known for their commitment to sustainable viticulture and creating high-quality, terroir-driven wines.

  • Vintage: The 2017 vintage in the Languedoc was marked by a warm, dry growing season, which resulted in ripe, concentrated fruit with good acidity and structure.

  • Varietal(s): 60% Syrah, 40% Grenache

  • Region: Saint-Drézéry, Languedoc, France The Saint-Drézéry appellation is located in the heart of the Languedoc region, known for its Mediterranean climate and diverse soils that are well-suited to growing a variety of grape varieties.

  • ABV (Alcohol By Volume): 15%

  • Winery Location Details: Chateau Puech-Haut is located in the picturesque village of Saint-Drézéry, in the Languedoc region of southern France. The area is characterized by its Mediterranean climate, with hot, dry summers and mild winters, providing ideal conditions for grape growing. The vineyards are located at an altitude of 100-150 meters above sea level, with soils composed of clay and limestone, contributing to the wine's structure and minerality.

  • Production: The grapes for this wine are hand-harvested, and the wine is aged for 12 months in a combination of French and American oak barrels, adding layers of complexity and integration.

  • Other Ratings: Wine Spectator: 90 points, Wine Enthusiast: 91 points, James Suckling: 92 points

Deep Dive

  • Chateau Puech-Haut was founded by Gérard Bru in 1989, a visionary who transformed the estate into one of the most renowned wineries in the Languedoc-Roussillon region.

  • The name "Téte de Bélier" (meaning "Ram's Head") is a nod to the distinctive shape of the limestone formations in the vineyards, which resemble the profile of a ram's head.

  • The winery's massive barrel-shaped tasting room, known as "La Barrique," is one of the largest wooden barrels in the world and serves as a unique and striking tasting venue.

Anthony Clemenza
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