“Le Claux”, Luberon Rouge

“Le Claux” is a 2.25-ha site situated at 300-350 meters of altitude. Its soils of clayey marl, rare in the Luberon, along with its northeastern exposure, contribute to a long maturation cycle and engender a wine of great complexity for the area. 60% Syrah (planted 1973), 30% Grenache (1962) and 10% Mourvèdre (1949), with yields rarely topping a meager 30-hl/ha. Naturally fermented with a portion of its added-back stems and aged 2 years primarily in used 600-L demi-muids, “Le Claux” leads with its Syrah aromatically—a coolly spicy and black-fruited nose of notable lift. Densely concentrated and layered on the palate, its tannins have teeth but finishes with a bright, vibrating energy, speaking to Sylvain’s skillful farming and light touch in the cellar.