The Wine Advocate #354 - Octobre 2018 - Château Pesquié tasting

Ascensio rouge 2016 - 92-94/100

The 2016 Ventoux Ascensio is 95% Grenache and 5% Syrah, vinified with 30% whole bunches and aged entirely in concrete. It was scheduled to be bottled in August, so it should be released soon. It's plummy and rich, giving an impression of sweetness similar to maple syrup (but being basically dry). Full-bodied, creamy across the mid-palate, with supple tannins, it somehow finishes with a sense of freshness.

Artemia rouge 2017 - 92-94/100

A tank sample of the 2017 Ventoux Artemia looked promising, although a bit different in character from previous vintages. It's 75% Syrah and only 25% Grenache, with peppery, cool-climate Syrah notes, blueberryish fruit, ample weight and a clean, crisp, lively finish.

Artemia rouge 2016 - 94/100

A 50-50 blend of Grenache and Syrah, aged in 50% new oak, the 2016 Ventoux Artemia is a tremendous effort. It combines blueberries and stone fruit with cedary notes and then underscores those attractive aromas and flavors with a full-bodied, velvety texture and a bright, crisp finish. Lovely stuff.

Quintessence rouge 2017 - 92-94/100

Looking just as good as the 2016, a prospective blend of the 2017 Ventoux Quintessence had me licking my lips in anticipation. It's full-bodied and rich yet crisp on the finish, just loaded with blueberry fruit and hints of dried spices.

Quitessence rouge 2016 - 93/100

A blend of 80% Grenache and 20% Syrah, the 2016 Ventoux Quintessence continues the success of this cuvée, delivering dark layers of cola, dried spices and plummy fruit. It's full-bodied and plush, with a substantial 40% of new barrels, but it's balanced by 30% of the wine being aged in concrete, giving it richness without being overwhelmingly oaky. The bright, fresh finish seems to guarantee at least 5-8 years of longevity.

Quintessence blanc 2017 - 93/100

A blend of 80% Roussanne and 20% Clairette (with the Roussanne barrel-fermented and aged), the 2017 Ventoux Quintessence Blanc has hit new highs. Delicate notes of pencil shavings accent honeyed pineapple in this medium to full-bodied wine that's round and rich in the mouth yet balanced by bright acids and hints of lemon and lime zest on the long, mouthwatering finish.

Terrasses rouge 2017 - 91-93/100

Showing more intensity and depth than the delicious 2016, the 2017 Ventoux Terrasses (tasted from tank) is a blend of 54% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 4% Cinsault and 2% Mourvèdre. Crushed stone notes accent dried spices and raspberries on the nose, while the medium to full-bodied palate delivers rich, deep fruit flavors, plenty of concentration and an impressive velvety finish.

Terrasses rosé 2017 - 91/100

A blend of 50% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 10% Syrah, the 2017 Ventoux Terrasses Rose features lovely spice notes of ground cinnamon and clove dusted over strawberry and raspberry fruit. Plump and medium-bodied, this silky wine ends long, with lingering hints of citrus and spice.

Terrasses blanc 2017 - 90/100

Floral, fresh and citrusy, the medium-bodied 2017 Vin de France Terrasses Blanc is approximately 70% Viognier, grown in Ventoux at 350 meters above sea level. With a silky texture complemented by a crisp, clean, lemon-lime finish, it's ideal for sipping over the next year or two.

Edition 1912M rouge 2017 - 89-91/100

The tank sample of the 2017 Ventoux Edition 1912M reviewed here is a blend of 70% Grenache, 25% Syrah and 5% Cinsault. It's juicy and fun, a fruit-forward blend of black cherries, strawberries and stone fruit. Medium to full-bodied, silky and fine, it's more concentrated than the 2016 and should drink well for up to 5 years.

Paradou Grenache rouge 2017 - 88-90/100

The 2017 Vin de France Le Paradou Grenache was tasted as the final blend from tank, with bottling scheduled for July. This medium to full-bodied wine is loaded with dusty black cherries. Round, ample and ripe, it's even a bit chocolaty-rich but remains very smashable. Half of the crop was lost because of frost.

Paradou Provence rosé 2017 - 91/100

The 2017 Cotes de Provence Rose Le Paradou is the second vintage produced under this label, from a leased vineyard. True to the style of the other Pesquié rosés, the blend is Cinsault-heavy, at 60% Cinsault, 30% Grenache and 10% Vermentino. It comes across as quite ripe and fruity, with raspberries and strawberries leading the way. It's plump and medium-bodied, rounded yet crisp, with hints of spice and crushed stone on the finish.