Domaine Peyre Rose : Marlène N.3 2004

Tasting Notes and Serving Suggestions for Marlène N°3 2004 from Domaine Peyre Rose

Tasting

Appearance

The wine displays an intense garnet hue with plum highlights, reflecting both its concentration and its evolution over time.

Nose

The nose is complex and deep, revealing aromas of fresh garrigue swept by the morning dew, alongside notes of damp forest floor, cigar box and eucalyptus. Fragrances of red and black fruit (blackcurrant, black raspberry, cherry jam) also emerge, crowned by a smoky touch. Animal nuances and leather complete this rich bouquet.

Palate

On the palate, this wine charms with its perfect balance and silky texture. The tension is vibrant and the freshness persistent, while the mellowed tannins bring structure and depth to this harmonious whole. The palate reveals a pronounced Mediterranean character while maintaining great aromatic purity. The remarkable finish lingers, with a slight bitterness that lends distinction and complexity.

Food and Wine Pairings

Marlène N°3 2004 is an ideal match for robust red meats such as a rib steak, tournedos or a dry-aged ribeye. It also pairs beautifully with game preparations such as hare stew, rabbit ragout or lamb. Sauced meats—especially with a sauce grand veneur—as well as gratin dauphinois also make excellent pairings.

Serving and Cellaring

It is recommended to decant Marlène N°3 2004 about one hour before serving and to serve it at a temperature between 15 and 17°C. This wine can be enjoyed until around 2030, or even beyond depending on storage conditions.

A Powerful, Complex Languedoc Wine by Marlène Soria

The Estate

Founded in 1988 by Marlène Soria, Domaine Peyre Rose now spans 25 hectares of vineyards located on the hills above Saint-Pargoire, between Montpellier and Béziers. A former real estate agent, Marlène Soria purchased the property in 1973 as a second home before gradually devoting herself to winegrowing. Nicknamed “the Diva of Syrah,” she still runs the estate with a philosophy rooted in extreme patience and uncompromising quality. Certified organic, the estate practices exceptionally long aging and produces wines in very limited quantities, earning international recognition and an unquestioned benchmark status in the Languedoc.

The Vineyard

Marlène N°3 comes from plots located on the Peyrals plateau, at an altitude between 220 and 300 meters. The vines grow on particularly hard, stony clay-limestone soils, providing excellent natural drainage. Exposed to the Mistral and Tramontaine winds, they benefit from a Mediterranean climate moderated by cool nights that encourage slow, balanced ripening. The vineyard is surrounded by 70 hectares of natural garrigue, forming a protective buffer against external influences. Yields are among the lowest in France, ranging between 14 and 20 hectoliters per hectare.

The Vintage

The 2004 vintage in the Languedoc was marked by warm, sunny conditions that encouraged fine grape ripeness. Summer heat allowed for optimal berry concentration, while the weather ensured harmonious phenolic development in the clusters.

Winemaking and Aging

The Marlène N°3 2004 harvest was carried out by hand, with rigorous grape selection. Winemaking involved partial destemming and a long maceration, using indigenous yeasts. Aging took place mainly in concrete vats and oak foudres over an extended period of around eight to ten years before bottling. The wine was neither fined nor filtered, preserving its authenticity and aging potential. This cuvée was released around 2014.

Grape Varieties

This Coteaux du Languedoc wine is a blend of Syrah (65%) and Grenache Noir (35%).