Rhône Theme
Timed Online Auction, 2 - 12 February 2024
Rhône | International & South African offering
About the SessionThe first sale of the 2024 Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auction calendar is an exciting Rhône valley and Rhône-style offering and has fast-become one of the most popular at Strauss & Co Fine Wine Auctions.
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About this Item
The Clos du Caillou was founded in 1895 as a hunting reserve. In 1955, Paul Pouizin realised the amazing terroir that lay in this forested reserve and cleared portions of the land to plant vines. In 1996, Claude Pouizin’s youngest daughter Sylvie and her husband, Jean-Denis Vacheron, took over at Le Clos du Caillou. Jean-Denis proved an impressive winemaker – led by passion without limit and visionary ideas. Le Clos du Caillou jumped ahead under his management and became one of the best producers in the appellation. After his tragic passing in 2002, Sylvie picked up the reins with help from the talented winemaker Bruno Gaspard. From the 2010 vintage, the domain is certified organic.
Provenance
Private Client
Critics Ratings
‘Worldly, glamorous, Manhattan restaurant kind of sophistication on the nose. Tight, concentrated, knows where it’s going. Unusual. Savoury, exceptionally well made but atypical. Not exaggerated or hard work to taste but obviously a lot of thought has gone into this dense yet suave wine. Not sweet and cleverly made so that it can be tackled more or less any time. Clever! I’m dying to know what this wine is…. 95% Grenache and 15%Syrah (aged in small barrels) apparently.’ – Jancis Robinson MW, JancisRobinson.com, 18.5/20 (Jan 2006)
‘A big step up and getting a big “Wow” in the notes, the 2004 Chateauneuf du Pape Les Quartz knocks it out of the park with its sweet kirsch, blackberry, red licorice and crushed-stone minerality, all of which come soaring from the glass. Full-bodied, rich and textured, with fabulous fruit and texture, it might lack some of the elegance and polish found in the cuvee La Reserve, yet makes up for it with its exuberant, sexy style. A blend of 85% Grenache and 15% Syrah that’s all from the Les Cassanets lieu-dit (aged 18 months in mostly in foudre), it should continue to shine over the coming 3-5 years.’ – Jeb Dunnuck, Wine Advocate, 93/100 (Feb 2014)
‘Ruby-red. Powerful blackberry and blackcurrant scents aromas, with sexy oak spice accents. Lush, round and velvety, with deep, sweet dark fruit flavors and a good wallop of vanillin oak. A bitter chocolate note appears on the finish, adding depth to this inky, powerful wine. Sweetened with air and began to show some serious tannin, suggesting that patience is in order.’ – Josh Reynolds, Vinous, 92+/100 (Jan 2007)