The 2011 Les Cistes from Domaine Peyre Rose is a testament to the uncompromising vision and artistry of Marlène Soria, one of the Languedoc’s most distinctive and revered winemakers. Known for her bold decision to age wines for over a decade before release, Soria crafts wines that are as complex and charismatic as her reputation suggests. Les Cistes, once called "Clos des Cistes," has been reclassified as a Vin de France, allowing Soria the creative freedom to express her vineyards and winemaking philosophy without restriction.
This syrah-dominant blend, with a touch of grenache, originates from rocky, unforgiving soils that yield wines of remarkable depth and character. Eleven years of patient aging in large wood and cement tanks have transformed Les Cistes into a symphony of aromas and flavors. On the nose, it reveals layers of garrigue herbs, cistus, and juniper, intertwined with ripe blackberries, blueberries, and black cherries. Hints of rosemary, cloves, and nutmeg add warmth, while a touch of hazelnut and a faint oxidative note speak to its long evolution. With air, deeper notes of charcuterie, forest floor, and wild berries emerge, creating a truly captivating bouquet.
On the palate, Les Cistes is both youthful and composed, with a lively acidic backbone and silky tannins framing its concentrated black fruit. The grenache lends a touch of liquorice and sweet spice, enhancing the wine’s savory, herbal character. Blackcurrants, blueberries, and a hint of black cardamom glide seamlessly into a finish that balances extract sweetness with freshness and drive. This is a wine of incredible harmony and complexity, offering immediate pleasure yet promising a bright future for those who wait.
The decision to move to the Vin de France appellation reflects Soria’s dedication to creative freedom, but rest assured: the hallmark spicy, powerful, and long-lasting character of Peyre Rose remains unchanged. With its rich aromatics, supple texture, and seamless balance, the 2011 Les Cistes is a triumph of the Languedoc—a wine to enjoy now with proper decanting or cellar for further evolution.
