VDF Rouge Ormiale 2022

VDF Rouge Ormiale, Biodynamic production, low yields, no intervention, smooth, elegant rich Bordeaux with intensity, depth and a seductive mouthfeel. Many Bordeaux wines are intense but the intensity seems prosaic, not authentic, even manufactured. When drinking Ormiale, you know you are drinking natural wine. It is fresh, balanced, complex and appears to change in the mouth with each sip.  Biodynamic production, very low yields, de-stemming and fantastic terroir mean the wine has an opulence, richness and depth which makes it extremely alluring.  The new 2022 vintage of VDF Rouge Ormiale has the deliciously intense style of previous vintages and now the reputation of the wine is deservedly growing fast.  Although still young, the wine is oozing dark fruit scents, black cherries, kirsch, sweet spice with subtle notes of bell pepper, dark bitter chocolate and forest floor.  The acidity is bristling, there is a slight sourness on the finish, so you know there is no confection here.  It is drinking well now with its vibrancy and rich primary fruit, but it needs food to soften the tannins and acidity.  However with cellaring, I think this wine will improve a lot and in five years or so, will start to be something very special.

Ormiale was founded in 2007 by owner Fabrice Domercq.  The domaine is situated in the north of the Entre-Deux-Mers region, 15 Kilometers south of St. Emilion and 8km from Castillon la Bataille. The parcels are Demeter certified Biodynamic and cover 2 hectares on the Côtes de Castillon and Côtes de Francs. Ormiale work with very low yields, around 20-25 hectolitres/hectare, generating an extraordinary intensity and finesse to the wines. In comparison, the maximum authorised yield for Bordeaux Supérieur in 2009 was 59 hl./ha. 

Ormiale wines are absolutely delicious and combine the freshness of biodynamics with the intensity of low yields.  They also age majestically.  Just because they don't have some meaningless appellation - only the simple Vin de France - do not overlook these incredible Bordeaux wines.