Domaine Rolet was founded in the 1940s and has remained family run ever since. With 58 hectares of vines in Arbois, Côte du Jura and L’Etoile, they are the second largest wine growing estate in Jura, working only with estate fruit. Unlike many Jura whites, L’Etoile Chardonnay was fermented in barrique, where it aged for over a year. There is a swell of flint and wood upon opening, yielding to allow the crisp and mineral white to emerge. Tight white fruit, white florals, light hazelnuts, meadow grass, dried green apples and a hum of stones, this is reminiscent of Chablis (their soils are similarly studded with marine fossils). Amplify the slight earthiness woven through here with brown buttered scallops or potent Gruyère.
Opening with scents of ripe red berries, red currant and a whiff of eucalyptus, with berry, currant and peppery spice flavours playing through in the mouth, this zesty, intriguing, terroir-driven wine is harmoniously balanced, culminating with a long agreeably tannic finish.
Clear medium-deep plum red. Pronounced nose of good PN typicity: raspberry and violets with interesting hints of barnyard, spice, smoke and even menthol. Medium-bodied, presenting a mouthful of crushed red berries, especially raspberries, over soft tannins and refreshing acidity. Definitely not a faint-hearted PN, this will mature for another 2 years. The perfect match for roast smoked duck with a spicy berry sauce and potatoes au gratin.
Firm, stony blackberry baselines an earthen clay and perfumed peony palate, one tense with raging, stemmy tannins and lifted with brisk acidity. Pencil lead and barnyard pervade the black fruit to a bitter espresso finish. Even opening 24 hours in advance of drinking doesn't exclude needing roast beef or lamb stew to match the ferocity here.
A blend of l’Acadie, Vidal and Seyval Blanc with Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Vin de Reserve, this intriguing fizz spent extended soak time with Pinot Noir, which gives it a light blush colour. Aromatic nose shows bright floral, berry and green fruit scents with a whiff of green herb. Cranberry, green apple and cherry flavours are delivered with light creamy texture balanced by lively acidity and firm, drying mineral. Finishes with a nicely balancing touch of residual sweetness.
Normally, I am not a big fan of the Aligoté. That being said, the grapes for this wine were sourced from the lowlands within the privileged commune of Puligny-Montrachet. Subsequently, the quality is undeniable. The rock-hard minerality is complemented by equally rock-solid acidity. There are also some green-apple and citrus nuances which add complexity. Where to purchase this wine? Well, the majority of production has been earmarked for Joe Beef Restaurant in Montreal. The rest will be distributed here and there, throughout Canada.
Medium ruby. Light perfumed nose of small red fruits, subtle oak notes, tea leaves and a hint of cooked vegetables. These 2 last aromas are a sign of early evolution. Medium body, expansive and filling mid-palate, smooth texture, lively acidity. Nice long finish. Very satisfying right now but limited aging potential.