It's rare that people compare a Cab Franc to Chambolle, but that's how people talk about l'Echelier.

L'Echelier is one of the standout expressions of the grape. There's a unique haunting perfume, a lifted brightness and energetic minerality to the wine.

Clos de l’Echelier is a 1.8ha clos (a walled vineyard) on hard limestone soils. There's only a thin layer of top soil. We associate a certain elegance and sleek precision with limestone. And l’Echelier really delivers these qualities.

Over the years, we've watched Thierry Germain's wines grow increasingly finer and more elegant. For us, it's the l'Echelier Rouge that best captures the delicate and fine style that has become Roches Neuves' calling card.

Tasting the 2015s, it’s obvious that Roches Neuves is at the top of their game. The past few vintages have made it clear that things have clicked into high gear at Roches Neuves. While they have always produced excellent wines, the domaine is now justifiably placed on par with the region's best.

L'Echelier really shines in the power of the 2015 vintage. Its elegance and precision is amplified, rather than obscured, in the vintage's ripeness. It has the wonderful silken texture that makes the wine so special and vivid. There's a gorgeous weightless impression.

In any given vintage, only about 4,800 bottles are produced. With each passing year, Roches Neuves' status seems to grow. The wines disappear quickly when we offer them, so we encourage you to jump on this.

To order, email

offers@crushwineco.com or call the store at (212) 980-9463.

Joe Salamone

Wine Buyer

Crush Wine & Spirits

2015 Roches Neuves
Saumur-Champigny Clos de l'Echelier