Roussanne
Organic, Sustainable
Dry
750ml
14.5% alc./vol

Domaine Peter Sichel Roussanne Vieilles Vignes 2024

Languedoc-Roussillon,

94 points (2023) - WineAlign

$58.95per bottle ($353.70per case)
6 bottles per case

Peter Sichel (of the Bordeaux négociant family) first discovered the valley of Cucugnan on a road trip with a friend in the 1960s. He was so spellbound by the place that he bought a house there and, in 1988, planted a vineyard. The project grew, albeit slowly, but the arrival of Peter’s thoughtful and environmentally inspired grandson, Alexander Sichel, has turned the Domaine Peter Sichel project completely around.

This single vineyard wonder showcases 100% Roussanne, sourced from 80-year-old vines thriving at an altitude of 500m on the Termenès terroir, where clay and marl soils blend harmoniously. With the Mediterranean climate cooling under its altitude and a hint of Atlantic influence, the grapes were meticulously hand-harvested on September 15, 2023, then gently pressed and fermented using indigenous yeasts—half in terracotta amphorae, half in 500L barrels—for approximately 20 days.

After a nine-month aging process, this exceptional vintage emerges, adorned in pale yellow with light green highlights. It offers a clean, expressive nose of white flowers and subtle citrus notes, while its intricate minerality and vibrant acidity provide a lively yet elegant structure. It pairs wonderfully with seafood, refined dishes, and Tommes cheese. This wine not only delights in its youth but also promises lovely surprises with age.

Press Reviews

WineAlign

94 points (2023) - Michael Godel

The Cucugnan village terroir is called Termenès with 80-year-old roussanne vines at 500m within the larger and greater Languedoc influenced by both Mediterranean and Atlantic climates. The aromatics on the 2023 old vines varietal wine are extraordinary and captivating, leaving one speechless without having taken a sip. Takes off from where the most excellent 2022 left off and goes further, with more fruit and waves of character that light and spice up this truly special white. If Rhône and Languedoc white blends are the Rolling Stones than this roussanne is 1990s solo Bill Wyman, of a bass line that should never end. “Stuff, stuff, stack it on, stack it on up. Stuff, never gonna ever get enough stuff.” Drink 2025-2032. Tasted March 2025.

93 points (2023)

This is a barrel-aged roussanne from organically grown, old vines. It pours fairy deep lemon-gold. The nose is generous with fragrant, well integrated apricot/pineapple, honeysuckle, lanolin and subtle wood spice. It is medium-full bodied, creamy and rich with good acidity and some warmth, but remarkably only 12% alcohol. The finish is a bit stony, the length is excellent. Unlike mainstream roussanne, but a very fine wine. Tasted March 2025

91 points (2023) - John Szabo, MS

A solid follow up to the superb 2022 Old Vines Roussanne from Sichel tasted a month ago, if a little more raw and unpolished at this stage, still showing considerable oak flavour. There are palpable tannins on the palate as well, discombobulated and gangly for now, I'd say at least 2-3 years away from prime enjoyment. Doesn't quite deliver the same thrill as the '22, but give it time - stuffing it has. Tasted March 2025.