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Domaine de l'Hortus

Domaine l'Hortus is the property of Jean Orliac, one of the great innovators of Pic St Loup. As a student Orliac spent his holidays rock climbing, unable to resist the challenge of the imposing 638m crag of rock which gives its name to this wine region. While climbing Orliac saw another challenge, that of a fledgling wine region which could one day be a great appellation. He decided to combine his training as an agricultural engineer, his desire to work outdoors, and a family winemaking heritage in the creation of a great wine estate. Jean Orliac first rented vines in 1978, but within two years he purchased a barren plot between the two peaks of the region, the Pic St Loup and the Montagne de l'Hortus. It took time to establish the vineyard, and consequently the first vintage for Domaine de l'Hortus wasn't until 1990. By 1995 he had completed the construction of his winery, an intriguing building made almost entirely from wood.

The two domaine wines of interest at Domaine l'Hortus are the Cuvée Classique, now renamed Bergerie de l'Hortus in order to avoid any confusion with the grand vin, the Grande Cuvée. The former is 50% Syrah, 30% Grenache and 20% Mourvedre, and aged in used barrels. The latter contains a little more Mourvèdre and a little less Grenache, and at least a proportion sees some time in new oak. There are also whites produced, using Viognier, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc. In addition Jean Orliac also produces wines under the Coteaux du Languedoc appellation at Clos du Prieur, a property about 20 km west of Pic St Loup. (24/2/04)

Contact details:
Address: 34270 Valflaunès
Telephone: +33 (0) 4 67 55 31 20
Fax: +33 (0) 4 67 55 38 03
Internet: www.vignobles-orliac.com

Domaine de l'Hortus - Tasting Notes

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Domaine de l'Hortus Le Loup Dans la Bergerie Rouge (VdP du Val de Montferrand) 2006: An attractive nose, dominated by the sweet cherry fruit of the Grenache. A very softly composed palate, with a gentle and rounded presence, with fresh acidity. There is a soft plumminess, perhaps from the Merlot which makes up the blend here. This is attractive and certainly easy to drink. From the 2008 France Under One Roof event. 15.5/20 (March 2008)

Bergerie l'Hortus Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St Loup 'Cuvée Classique' 2001: A beautiful and vibrant colour of youth, red with just a tinge of purple, and a similar vibrancy on the nose, which is packed with crushed berry fruits and just a lick of chocolate. The palate is wonderful - balanced, full of berry fruit, but with fresh acidity. There's a nice, almost sweet, sugary edge to the fruit, together with some slightly chewy extract and a little tannin. It all adds up to a tasty wine which is great for drinking now. 16.5/20 (February 2004)

Clos du Prieur Coteaux du Languedoc 2000: Not a great depth of colour, but an appealing, vibrant red hue. On the nose there is meaty fruit with roasted herbs and rose petal complexity, together with a little caramel oak. Fine acidity and balance on the palate, buoying up more meaty fruit flavour. That oak takes a back seat. Ripe, succulent, balanced tannins complete the picture. This is delicious stuff, a little international in its approach, and yet so obviously of the Languedoc. Approachable now, but will likely improve over a couple of years, and drink for a couple more after that. 16.5+/20 (February 2004)

Domaine l'Hortus Coteaux du Languedoc Pic St Loup 'Grande Cuvée' 1999: Moderate depth of colour, fairly transparent, some maturity but just fading a touch at the rim. Nice expressive nose, with initially roasted meats, but then giving way to red fruits. Vibrant palate, with prominent acidity, but a nice texture. More crunchy red berry fruits, like the nose. Soft tannins in the background, although they coat the mouth on the finish. Another tasting that suggests 1999 is indeed a lighter vintage for the Languedoc. Drink now and over the next year or two. 15.5/20 (February 2004)