PV Tasting Notes
Biodynamically grown, from ultra low yields of a mere 18 hectolitres per hectare and bottled unfined and unfiltered, so expect some sediment to develop in the bottle over time. This wine is produced from a tiny parcel of mature vines near the top of the massif located near to Aniane, the 2007 L’Esprit de la Fontaine is intensely black-fruited, roasted and port like yet, also rather saline and smoky in the nose, displays an extravagant concentration of sweet flavours and palate staining soy. Powerful and thick but not at all heavy, the phenolic maturity has yielded bold tannins of rare sweetness and complexity, this is different to the 2006 vintage and currently I’m not certain which is the better wine. Give this wine at least a few hours in a decanter if you want to try this any time soon, but I feel this is decidedly one of the better efforts being developed throughout the Languedoc region. Tasted April 2009
Independent Review90 Points Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate Aug 2011
Dill and fennel, cassis and blackberry scent and flavor L'Espirit de la Fontaine's 2007 Coteaux du Languedoc Terrasses du Larzac along with a red roasted meat richness and a stony undertone that segues into reasonably fine-grained yet formidable finishing tannins. A lick of salt lends saliva-inducement, but for all of its savory persistence, don't look to this wine for charm. Expect it to benefit from at least another year in bottle, though the track record is not yet established for this cuvees long-term potential. (And given the firm, reduced character exhibited by its components when I tasted them in December, 2008, I wonder whether this wine has as yet really ever relaxed or revealed a gentler side.)
A collaboration among Laurent Vidal of Mas Conscience; Philippe Salasc and Jean-Philippe Serviere of Chateau Gres Saint Paul; Parisian restaurateur Laurent Audiot; actor Gerard Depardieu; and now also including importer Eric Solomon, L'Espirit de la Fontaine showcases fruit from a biodynamically-farmed 21 year old vineyard of half Syrah with equal parts Grenache and Carignan which - while within the commune of Aniane - is located high up near the gorge of the Herault. Fermented and aged at Mas Conscience in large, conical upright wooden tanks, it is only bottled after two years, and due to the reduced state of its 2007 components when I tasted them in December, 2008, I have not reported on that wine until now.
Three partners, Philippe Salasc and Laurent Vidal (both winemakers) and Gerard Depardieu (Actor) established this winery by purchasing a two hectare parcel of vines located high on the massif neighbouring Aniane. The first three rows of vines are no more than 12 metres long, then a 3 metre drop, four rows 20 metres long, 2 metre drop then another four rows and so on, the land surrounding the vines is true wilderness with wild boars running about the thick undergrowth. Because of the inaccessibility everything needs to be done by hand. Due to the north/south planting system the vines are protected from the damaging effects of the end of day’s sun, and keep freshness to the grape stock.
Only 440 cases of 6 and 60 single cases of Magnums of this wine were created.