Rotem And Mounir SaoumaOmnia
- 2015A new paradigm in Châteauneuf-du-Pape
$90.00 per bottle Limited availabilityA new paradigm in Châteauneuf-du-Pape is not a phrase we wrote to describe the wines of Rotem and Mounir Saouma, masterminds behind the lauded Burgundian label Lucien le Moine. It’s what James Molesworth of the Wine Spectator wrote, and many throughout the press and trade have expressed. The wines have almost a haunting balance: how is it possible to express such detail and transparency of fruit and spice in a wine that also captures the warmth and joy of Southern France?
Provenance
Fida ships wines in refrigerated containers and stores wines in temperature controlled warehouses.
Data Points
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Producer
Rotem And Mounir Saouma
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Wine
Omnia
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Origin
Rhone, France
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Varietal
Rhone Red Blend
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Appellation
Chateauneuf-du-Pape
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Vintage
2015
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Alcohol
14.50%
Notes
Mounir Saouma describes Omnia as a mosaic. Rightfully so, as fruit is sourced from nine vineyards across all five of the Châteauneuf communes: Châteauneuf-du-Pape, Courhézon, Orange, Bédarrides and Sorgues. Omnia, Latin for “all,” is Mounir's ambitious attempt to encompass the entire region’s terroir, winemaking history, and perhaps future, in one glass.
When describing Mounir, the word “no” comes up often. Was he born in France? No. Does he come from a winemaking family? No. Does he care that his style is considered by some as different? Unequivocally, no. Then there’s his approach to winemaking: no racking, no fining and no filtering. His method is steadfast and leading publications such as Decanter describe him as:
one of the most original thinkers working in French fine wine today.
Mounir is an anomaly. Interestingly enough, his goal within his eccentricities is to return to the classic, historic methodology of producing Châteauneuf-du-Pape: let the terroir define the wine, not the winemaking.
Right Now
Predominantly Grenache, with 10% each Syrah and Mourvedre, Omnia 2015 is a wine with beguiling fruit and savory richness. In true Mounir fashion, the fruit is pressed firmly with small presses from the late 1970s, left in tank to macerate at relatively cool temperatures for 8 days and then transferred to various vessels. The kaleidoscope of the terroirs he works with is reflected in the cellar by a combination of barrels, foudres, cement and even eggs—all of which except the last can be considered “traditional” within the diversity of Châteauneuf’s viticultural history. The wines are never punched down, never racked and only receive minimal sulfur after 18 months.
More
Last year, I had the privilege to meet Mounir over a shared meal with close friends. He, unsurprisingly, is a character that's a bit larger than life—with strong opinions on everything. Over the course of the meal, his rather intense passion for his Rhône and Burgundy ventures were discussed in the most fascinating detail. While sipping on our beers (we had to take a break from the Grand Cru burgs) it became clear that he has dedicated his life to this. Like his passion, Omnia is penetrating, powerful, and deserving of everyone’s attention.
Comments& Reviews
This is sublime, with beguiling rooibos tea, blood orange and sandalwood aromas out front followed by a long and silky display of lightly mulled cherry, damson plum and raspberry fruit flavors. Light shiso leaf and sanguine notes lace up the finish while the fruit echoes admirably.
Deep brilliant crimson. An expansively perfumed, expressive bouquet evokes ripe cherry and raspberry, incense, lavender and Moroccan spices, and a smoky mineral flourish adds urgency and lift. Shows impressive depth as well as energy in the mouth, offering alluringly sweet red fruit liqueur, floral pastille, succulent herb and spicecake flavors supported by a spine of juicy acidity. In a suave, distinctly graceful style for its heft, showing outstanding delineation and a sexy floral nuance on the strikingly long, penetrating finish, which features deftly interwoven tannins and resonating mineral and red fruit qualities.