6 Bottles. 1 of each. Non Amendable.
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Romain Le Bars
In his early 20’s Romain Le Bars, a native Parisian, had a keen interest in wine and a desire to learn. He wanted to learn from the best and after applying for a job, he moved to the Southern Rhone / Gard in 2012 to work with the legendary Eric Pfifferling. Romain spent the subsequent 7 years working at cult winery Domaine L’Anglore and the influence is evident.
A unique opportunity presented itself in April 2018, when Romain found a 1.2 hectare parcel of vines in Tavel that was available for sale. At the time Romain was still working for Eric, so his weekends were spent pruning and preparing the vineyard for his first harvest. With the help of Thibault Pfifferling, Eric’s son, Romain vinified his first wine in his garage, yielding 3000 bottles that first year. In early 2019 he found an additional 3 hectares to rent in and around Lirac and took over the farming and management of these vines.
Romain describes his wines “not red and not white, you shouldn’t judge them by their colour.” In the cellar fermentation only occurs with natural yeasts, the wines are unfined and unfiltered. Some cuvées are no sulphur, the others receive less than 1 part at bottling. In 2019 Romain produced just 18,000 bottles. These are elegant and ethereal wines made in the same spirit and vain as Romain’s former employer. L’Anglore style with vibrating energy.
Lirac 2021
50% Grenache, 40% Syrah, 10% Cinsault. Carbonic maceration 12-14 days, elevage in tank 60%, the remainder in used barrels. Mulberries, earthy, smoky. This vintage is a joy and you can certainly see the fruit shining more thanks to the carbonic. Tight tannins, as it opens the florals really shine and it becomes fresher. Plums, silky, a beautiful texture and incredibly elegant. - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections.
Lirac Rose 2021
Equal portions Grenache, Mourvèdre and Carignan, directly pressed, ferment and elevage in used barrels and 600 litre barrels. Reduction initially, give this oxygen and time. As the reduction moves, the palate displays red fruits and blood orange. Slippery with fine tannins. Weighty yet with a stoney flintiness. A wine of power yet with finesse - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections.
Tavel 2021
50% Grenache, 25% Cinsault, 25% Syrah. A combination of direct pressed fruit (Syrah) and 6 days carbonic maceration (Grenache and Cinsault) Ferment and elevage in tank and used barrels and 600 litre barrel. Raspberries jump from the glass. Crushed rock and red cherries on the palate, full of flavour. There is fruit density yet the freshness more than supports it. Cranberries. strawberries and cream. A lick of fruit tannin and a flutter of spice - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections.
‘La Roussanne’ 2021
A new cuvée, 100% Roussanne from Saint Peray, directly pressed, ferment and elevage in aged barrels. Aromatically enticing with concentrated stone fruit on the nose. Textured yet fluid and full of flavour. Luscious apricots. As it opens the fruit softens, a silky rounded mouthfeel of stone fruit and grapefruit pith. Lovely freshness - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections.
‘Le Clau’ Rose 2021
Also a new cuvée, in tiny quantities. 100% Carignan, directly pressed, elevaged equally in tank and aged barrels. A deep dive into red fruits. Fennel fronds at the front of the palate. Textural, but really fluid. As it opens, florals jump out. It’s precise with umeboshi notes. The fruit is supported by acidity. Candied watermelon. Great length - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections.
‘Pousse Cailloux’ 2021
50% Grenache, 25% Mourvèdre, 25% Cinsault. Carbonic maceration 10 days, elevage in tank 60%, the remainder in used barrels. Dark inky fruit and bon bon lollies. The fruit is crunchy and herbal with salivating freshness wrapt around the spine. Blackcurrants. Fine tannins, the fruit snaps. Joyous, quaffable and salivating. - Liz Carey, Vivant Selections.