Chateauneuf Reboot! Great memories and the current story.
I first visited Domaine Tour Saint Michele in March of 2011.
A group of us visited the Domain at the invitation of Mireille Fabre, the winemaker. Domaine Tour Saint-Michel is in Chateauneuf du Pape. She invited us for an evening tasting and family-made dinner. Mireille Fabre is one of the great women winemakers. The family greets us warmly and shows us the operation. They have authentic hors d’ouvres out and a Chateauneuf variation of Beef Bourguignon that Mireille and her mother have been simmering for hours.
You can find my best interpretation of their Beef Bourguignon here … (link forthcoming).
The evening starts with a sampling of Deux Soers 09, then 08; both great. 50% Grenache Blanc, 50% Clairette, half from tank, half from oak barrels. Sophisticated whites!
As we taste, Mireille tells us about the winery. The Domaine was founded by Michel Fabre in 1930. Today they have over 44 hectares of vines. Mireille, a third-generation winemaker, has managed the operation since 2007. With respect for family tradition, she brings a more modern style.
UPDATE: Mireille’s daughter, Magali, joined her in 2018 to manage operations.
Now to reds. Cuveé des Deux Soers 2010. 90% Grenache, 10% Syrah. Very nice. Next, the Cuveé du Lion 2010. Even better. 75% Grenache, 20% Syrah, 5% Mourvèdre. This is a tank sample now, it will go in oak soon. Next, Cuveé du Lion 2009. Same blend of varietals. This one has seen oak, some newbarrels, some older. It displays medium red with a nose of earthy berries, followed by flavours of currants and red berries, with spice box and muted minerality. Long finish. Sensational.
We finish our visit to Tour St. Michel with a look at the family’s classic car collection, each of the ten vehicles in its own garage. This has been one of the most charming winery visits I’ve ever encountered.