Villa ponciago fleurie ‘la reserve’ 2009
$23.95 (AVAILABLE BY THE 12-BOTTLE CASE)

Terroir and Cultivation:
“Finesse, elegance and above all a silky texture that cannot be found elsewhere.” Such are the historical qualities that long ago made Fleurie’s reputation for excellence. These qualities are sought by Villa Ponciago for Fleurie la Réserve.

It is an outstanding wine which reflects the search to rediscover the great terroir wines of the Fleurie Cru. Fleurie la Réserve is a selection of the finest parcels on Villa Ponciago’s slopes; Sous le Parc, with its very sandy mid-slope soils, contributes elegance and floral notes, Montgenas, with its deeper soils and southern exposure, gives structure and richness; La Brirette, with very thin soils on the southwest side of the Poncié hillock, offers mineral notes, finesse and very fine tannins, finally; Les Carcans, at the top of the Poncié hillock, receives the sun throughout the day and brings very deep, concentrated aromas.

Tasting Notes:
Bright brilliant colour, reflecting garnet and violet nuances. The nose is fine and elegant, developing pronounced notes of cherry and blueberry. Violets and peonies complete this complex nose, giving it great distinction. On the palate the wine is expressive, with a freshness that highlights its balance, structure and aromatic richness. It evokes mineral tones balanced by a pleasing ripeness. This combination gives the concentration and density specific to great wines, but with the great finesse and elegance of Fleurie. The finish is enhanced by delicate spicy touches, with remarkable length.

Accolades:
“Representing a blend originating in some 35 choice acres from across this estate’s large holdings, Villa Ponciago’s 2009 Fleurie La Reserve is strikingly scented with lightly-cooked dark cherry and blackberry; toasted nuts; charred, grilled red meat. An invigoratingly tart edge to the concentrated berry fruit offers ideal counterpoint to the vivid sense of roasted meat pan drippings on this cuvee’s dense, finely tannic palate. Here is one of those relatively rare instances where I am willing to concede that the element of wood really does serve to “frame” the fruit. The overall effect if impressive though hardly exuberantly fruity, a wine of serious savor and formidable grip, though thankfully persistent juiciness, too. That said, some alluring peony-like perfume added charm as this opened to the air. I would anticipate this meriting at least 3-4 years of attention, although, of course, no track record exists yet for this or any other Villa Ponciago bottling. 90“. The Wine Advocate

For more information visit www.villaponciago.fr