Based at “an ancient site in the up-and-coming Mont Ventoux wine region of Southern France,” Chene Bleu has been producing estate-grown wines in this Rhone-based region since 2006. Designed to be sustainable, biodynamic, and organic in both viticulture and winemaking, the operation currently produces five different wines, two of which we had the pleasure of receiving for review. Thoughts on these wines — both current release vintages — follow.

2015 Chene Bleu Aliot – Roussanne (65%), grenache blanc (30%), marsanne (5%), and a touch of viognier. It’s not the most acidic wine, but there’s depth in this otherwise austere experience, showcasing white flowers, marzipan, and a touch of white peach that brightens up what can be a rather doughy wine at times. A drizzle of honey and a squeeze of lemon on the finish add just a hint of much-needed sweetness to a wine that otherwise keeps the focus on fresh honeysuckle and cookie dough. B+ / $60 

2012 Chene Bleu Abelard – That’s not a typo on the vintage; this blend of 85% grenache and 15% syrah is well-aged and is showing its delights, with rich currants, brambly blackberry, and tea leaf, all followed up by a gentle slick of vanilla. The finish is surprisingly dry, with some cola and toasty oak notes lingering on the fade-out. Altogether balanced and well-rounded. A / $90 

chenebleu.com

2012 Chene Bleu Abelard

$90

9.5

Rating

9.5/10