Though the vineyards had long been neglected, they have a history dating back to the early Middle Ages. The estate had once been a priory of the Knights Templar. Under the Rolets, reclamation of the vineyards led to excavation for a gravity-flow winery, which led to exceptional, estate-grown Rhône varietal wines.
But where exactly in The Rhône. The estate sits on complex mineral and limestone soils at the intersection of FOUR Rhône wine regions: Gigondas, Côtes du Ventoux, Côtes du Rhône and Séguret. The Rolets were faced with a problem. They have the ability to produce extraordinary wine that doesn't fit neatly into appellation rules. So they took a lesson from the Super-Tuscan producers. They decided to combine the best of New World and Old World perspectives on their project. They chose to eschew the prestige of any higher appellation, in favor of the freedom they would have by just calling their wines Rhône Table Wine.
Will Lyons wrote in The Wall Street Journal: "Like the Super Tuscan producers, they decided to step out of the appellation system...which resulted in wines of stunning grace and freshness...one is going to be hearing a lot more about Chêne Bleu — it could be the world’s first Super Rhône." We could not agree more.
On Tuesday, May 19, Nicole Rolet will be here to host a dinner with her family's wine.
If you can clear your calendar, please come to Stage Left and discover something extraordinary.
Le Chêne Bleu Wine Dinner
Tuesday, May 19
Hors d'Oeuvres start at 6:45
Dinner at 7:15
Hors d’Oeuvres
Rose 2014
Roasted Escolar and Morels
Viognier 2013
Viognier 2012
Charcuterie Plate Wild Boar Terrine, Rabbit Roulade,
Jamon Iberico de Bellota, Hazelnut Bread and Candied Pistachios
Abelard 2009
Grenache/Syrah
Loin of Colorado Lamb Spring Herbs and Roasted Vegetables
Heloise 2007 or 2009
Syrah/Grenache/Viognier
Lemon Cake with Curd
Toasted Meringue
Coffee
$159 per person